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NTSB Report
January 18, 1986 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3414W
Mechanicsburg, OH
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Mechanicsburg, OH
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3414W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA073
THE PLT WAS ON A PERSONAL FLT WHEN IMC WAS ENCOUNTERED. THE PLT ELECTED TO CLIMB TO A CLEAR AREA ABOVE THE IMC WHEN THE ACFT BECAME TOTALLY 'SOCKED IN.' A 180 DEG TURN WAS MADE, VERTIGO WAS EXPERIENCED AND CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS LOST. AN EMERGENCY DESCENT WAS MADE AND CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS REGAINED AT 1500 FT MSL JUST BELOW THE CLOUD LAYER. IMC WAS ENTERED AGAIN WHEN THE DECISION WAS MADE TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A PASTURE WAS SELECTED AND A LANDING WAS MADE. THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A POST ON ROLLOUT DAMAGING THE RIGHT WING AND SHEARING OFF THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS ON A PERSONAL FLT WHEN IMC WAS ENCOUNTERED. THE PLT ELECTED TO CLIMB TO A CLEAR AREA ABOVE THE IMC WHEN THE ACFT BECAME TOTALLY 'SOCKED IN.' A 180 DEG TURN WAS MADE, VERTIGO WAS EXPERIENCED AND CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS LOST. AN EMERGENCY DESCENT WAS MADE AND CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS REGAINED AT 1500 FT MSL JUST BELOW THE CLOUD LAYER. IMC WAS ENTERED AGAIN WHEN THE DECISION WAS MADE TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A PASTURE WAS SELECTED AND A LANDING WAS MADE. THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A POST ON ROLLOUT DAMAGING THE RIGHT WING AND SHEARING OFF THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3414W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind220° @ 8 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingOvercast 1600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:00
Weather SourceWFAC