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NTSB Report
October 3, 1986 · Piper PA-28-140 · N38688
Holyoke, MA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 3, 1986
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Holyoke, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N38688
Operator
Gerald C White
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC87FA006
THE AIRCRAFT WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SPECIAL VISUAL FLIGHT RULES ARRIVAL WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A ROCK FACE SLOPE 2 MILES EAST OF THE AIRPORT WHILE ON A EASTERLY HEADING. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED OVER 1 HOUR AFTER SUNSET. THE PILOT DID NOT HAVE AN INSTRUMENT RATING. THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE FATALLY INJURED. A SPECIAL WEATHER OBSERVATION TAKEN RIGHT AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHOWED THE WEATHER TO BE: ESTIMATED 400 FT BROKEN, 1400 FT OVERCAST. VISIBILITY 1 1/2 MILES WITH LIGHT RAIN AND FOG.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SPECIAL VISUAL FLIGHT RULES ARRIVAL WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A ROCK FACE SLOPE 2 MILES EAST OF THE AIRPORT WHILE ON A EASTERLY HEADING. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED OVER 1 HOUR AFTER SUNSET. THE PILOT DID NOT HAVE AN INSTRUMENT RATING. THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE FATALLY INJURED. A SPECIAL WEATHER OBSERVATION TAKEN RIGHT AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHOWED THE WEATHER TO BE: ESTIMATED 400 FT BROKEN, 1400 FT OVERCAST. VISIBILITY 1 1/2 MILES WITH LIGHT RAIN AND FOG.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:37 EDT
Nearest AirportBARNES (2nm E)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN38688
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGerald C White
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-ED3 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind170° @ 4 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:37
Weather SourceWFAC