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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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October 28, 2018 · Piper PA28R 201 · N6899C

Hobbs, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 28, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Hobbs, NM
Aircraft
Piper PA28R 201 (1978)
Tail Number
N6899C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN19CA017

The pilot reported that he entered a left traffic pattern for runway 30 during night, visual meteorological conditions. Although the pilot thought he had sufficient altitude during the initial phase of the final approach based on his altimeter indication, shortly after turning to final approach, the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage, and the three occupants were not injured. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The examination did reveal that the altimeter had an incorrect setting, which resulted in an altimeter indication error of +800 ft mean sea level. The pilot stated that he must have had the incorrect altimeter setting for the destination airport.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's incorrect altimeter setting during the night visual approach, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported he entered a left traffic pattern for runway 30 during night visual meteorological conditions. Shortly after turning final approach, the airplane impacted the terrain. The pilot thought he had sufficient altitude during the initial phase of the final approach based on his altimeter indication. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage, and the three occupants were not injured. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the pilot had an improper altimeter setting that resulted in the altimeter indication error of +800 ft mean sea level, and the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that he must have had the wrong altimeter setting for the destination airport. Runway 30 was equipped with medium intensity runway edge lights, and a 4-light precision approach path indicator light system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:40 MDT
Nearest AirportLea County Regional Airport (3nm ESE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28R 201
Tail NumberN6899C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind260° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data