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NTSB Report
October 11, 1989 · Piper PA-32-300 · N4106W
Glastonbury, CT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Glastonbury, CT
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N4106W
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90FA011
THE PILOTS REPORTED SIX MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE AIRPORT AND INDICATED THEY WERE HAVING A COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEM AND WERE USING A HANDHELD RADIO. THE FLIGHT WAS ISSUED TRAFFIC FROM THE TOWER AND GIVEN CLEARANCE TO LAND AT THE AIRPORT. THE PILOTS INDICATED TO THE TOWER THEY MIGHT HAVE TO GO AROUND. THE TOWER ISSUED THEM INSTRUCTIONS TO GO AROUND, MAKE A RIGHT 360 DEGREE TURN, AND REPORT BACK ON FINAL. THE AIRPLANE WAS SEEN MAKING A SLOW DESCENDING RIGHT TURN. AFTER 120 DEGREES OF TURN, IT DISAPPEARED BELOW THE TREELINE. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED OVER UNLIT, WOODED TERRAIN DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE CONTROL DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE AIRPLANE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THE PILOT'S OPERATION AT NIGHT, WITHOUT EMERGENCY LIGHTING (FLASHLIGHT).
Full Narrative
THE PILOTS REPORTED SIX MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE AIRPORT AND INDICATED THEY WERE HAVING A COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEM AND WERE USING A HANDHELD RADIO. THE FLIGHT WAS ISSUED TRAFFIC FROM THE TOWER AND GIVEN CLEARANCE TO LAND AT THE AIRPORT. THE PILOTS INDICATED TO THE TOWER THEY MIGHT HAVE TO GO AROUND. THE TOWER ISSUED THEM INSTRUCTIONS TO GO AROUND, MAKE A RIGHT 360 DEGREE TURN, AND REPORT BACK ON FINAL. THE AIRPLANE WAS SEEN MAKING A SLOW DESCENDING RIGHT TURN. AFTER 120 DEGREES OF TURN, IT DISAPPEARED BELOW THE TREELINE. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED OVER UNLIT, WOODED TERRAIN DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:10 EDT
Nearest AirportHartford Brainard (0nm N)
Runway2
Runway Length4500 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN4106W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind360° @ 6 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:19
Weather SourceWFAC