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NTSB Report
May 12, 1982 · Piper PA-28-161 · N9697C
Lorenzo, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1982
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Lorenzo, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N9697C
Operator
Lawton Pilot Service
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW82FA171
THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED WHILE THE PILOT WAS TRYING TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AFTER A NIGHT TAKEOFF. MARGINAL VFR CONDITIONS WERE FORECAST WITH THUNDERSTORMS PREDICTED. THE AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN AREA WHERE A THUNDERSTORM WAS IN PROGRESS. HIS COURSE TO THE AIRPORT WAS CORRECTED BY RADAR PRIOR TO ACCIDENT. THE PILOT HAD FLOWN THE PA-28 TYPE AIRCRAFT ON ONE PREVIOUS OCCASION. HE WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. WHEN THE PLANE CRASHED, IT IMPACTED AT HIGH SPEED IN ABOUT A 60 DEG LEFT BANK AND ABOUT A 45 DEG NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED WHILE THE PILOT WAS TRYING TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AFTER A NIGHT TAKEOFF. MARGINAL VFR CONDITIONS WERE FORECAST WITH THUNDERSTORMS PREDICTED. THE AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN AREA WHERE A THUNDERSTORM WAS IN PROGRESS. HIS COURSE TO THE AIRPORT WAS CORRECTED BY RADAR PRIOR TO ACCIDENT. THE PILOT HAD FLOWN THE PA-28 TYPE AIRCRAFT ON ONE PREVIOUS OCCASION. HE WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. WHEN THE PLANE CRASHED, IT IMPACTED AT HIGH SPEED IN ABOUT A 60 DEG LEFT BANK AND ABOUT A 45 DEG NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:07 CDT
Nearest AirportLubbock Intl. (0nm N)
Runway26
Runway Length8001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN9697C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLawton Pilot Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind200° @ 16 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point14 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time04:51