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NTSB Report
December 25, 1987 · Piper PA-28RT-201 PA-28RT-20 · N2869C
Rutherfordton, NC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 25, 1987
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Rutherfordton, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-28RT-201 PA-28RT-20
Tail Number
N2869C
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL88FA068
THE PILOT WAS CLEARED FOR THE ADF APPROACH. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LAST OBSERVED ON RADAR ABOUT ONE MILE INSIDE THE RBN. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LOCATED ON DECEMBER 27 ABOUT 4 NM NE OF THE AIRPORT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TREES AT ABOUT THE 2270-FOOT LEVEL OF CARSON MT. THE FIELD ELEVATION AT THE AIRPORT IS 1078. THE MDA FOR THE ADF APPROACH IS 1540 FEET . THE MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURES REQUIRE THAT THE PILOT TURN LEFT, CLIMB TO 3000 FEET, RETURN TO THE RBN AND HOLD. IN PERFORMING THE MISSED APPROACH THE PLT FAILED TO CLIMB TO AND MAINTAIN 3000 FEET AS INSTRUCTED.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS CLEARED FOR THE ADF APPROACH. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LAST OBSERVED ON RADAR ABOUT ONE MILE INSIDE THE RBN. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LOCATED ON DECEMBER 27 ABOUT 4 NM NE OF THE AIRPORT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TREES AT ABOUT THE 2270-FOOT LEVEL OF CARSON MT. THE FIELD ELEVATION AT THE AIRPORT IS 1078. THE MDA FOR THE ADF APPROACH IS 1540 FEET . THE MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURES REQUIRE THAT THE PILOT TURN LEFT, CLIMB TO 3000 FEET, RETURN TO THE RBN AND HOLD. IN PERFORMING THE MISSED APPROACH THE PLT FAILED TO CLIMB TO AND MAINTAIN 3000 FEET AS INSTRUCTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:55 EST
Nearest AirportRutherfordton (7nm ENE)
Runway36
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28RT-201 PA-28RT-20
Tail NumberN2869C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1-C6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDusk
Wind210° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
Ceiling100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC