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NTSB Report
June 28, 1985 · Piper PA-32RT-300T PA-32RT-30 · N39554
Merom, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Merom, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-32RT-300T PA-32RT-30
Tail Number
N39554
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI85FA258
THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON A VISUAL FLIGHT FROM FAIRFIELD IOWA TO INDIANAPOLIS, IN AND WAS ABOUT 55 MAUTICAL MILES SOUTH OF COURSE WHEN THE AIRCRAFT BROKE UP IN FLIGHT. THE MAIN WRECKAGE, EMPENNAGE, AND OUTER WING SECTIONS LANDED WITHIN ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE OF EACH OTHER IN MEROM, INDIANA. WEATHER AND RAIN SHOWERS WERE N THE AREA AT THE TIME. THE FLIGHT WAS NOT ON A FLIGHT PLAN AT THE TIME AND THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT LAST REPORTED HIS ALTITUDE AS 12,500 FEET. FAA FLIGHT SERVICE STATION PERSONNEL HAD BRIEFED THE PILOT ON MARGINAL VFR CONDITIONS ENROUTE AND RECOMMENDED A MORE NORTHERLY COURSE.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON A VISUAL FLIGHT FROM FAIRFIELD IOWA TO INDIANAPOLIS, IN AND WAS ABOUT 55 MAUTICAL MILES SOUTH OF COURSE WHEN THE AIRCRAFT BROKE UP IN FLIGHT. THE MAIN WRECKAGE, EMPENNAGE, AND OUTER WING SECTIONS LANDED WITHIN ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE OF EACH OTHER IN MEROM, INDIANA. WEATHER AND RAIN SHOWERS WERE N THE AREA AT THE TIME. THE FLIGHT WAS NOT ON A FLIGHT PLAN AT THE TIME AND THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT LAST REPORTED HIS ALTITUDE AS 12,500 FEET. FAA FLIGHT SERVICE STATION PERSONNEL HAD BRIEFED THE PILOT ON MARGINAL VFR CONDITIONS ENROUTE AND RECOMMENDED A MORE NORTHERLY COURSE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:09 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32RT-300T PA-32RT-30
Tail NumberN39554
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TI0-540-51AD · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 4 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT