Plane Crash Reports 2003

2003 Plane Crash Report Result

Title: ER PA-38-112 SINGLE-ENGINE AIRPLANE, N91594, WAS DESTROYED WHEN I

Report Date: 03/20

Plane Crash Problem: On March 15, 2003, at 0759 central standard time, a Piper PA-38-112 single-engine airplane, N91594, was destroyed when it impacted a radio tower guy-wire and terrain while maneuvering near Prattsville, Arkansas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The non-instrument rated private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from Decatur, Texas, and was scheduled to depart at 0500. The flight was destined for Marion, South Carolina with planned fuel stops at Sheridan, Arkansas, Hartselle, Alabama, and Union, South Carolina. Witnesses reported that they could not see the airplane due to the fog, but heard it as it maneuvered overhead. As the airplane was maneuvering, the witnesses heard a "strange noise," which one witness described as a "click-twang." They then heard a loud bang or thud/thump, at which time the "engine stopped." The person, who leases the field that the airplane impacted, reported that at the time of the accident, he could not see the 500-foot radio tower's lower strobe light, which is about 150 to 250 feet above the ground. At 0753, the weather observation facility located at the Grider Field Airport (PBF), Pine Bluff, Arkansas, (located 29 nautical miles east-southeast of the accident site) reported the wind 360 at 6 knots, an indefinite ceiling at 100 feet, visibility 1/4 statute mile in fog, temperature 45 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.03 inches of Mercury. At 0653, the weather observation facility located at PBF reported the wind 360 at 6 knots, an indefinite ceiling at 100 feet, visibility 1/4 statute mile in fog, temperature 43 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 43 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of Mercury. At 0753, the weather observation facility located at the Memorial Field Airport (HOT), Hot Springs, Arkansas, (located 32 nautical miles west-northwest of the accident site) reported the wind calm, overcast ceiling at 100 feet, visibility 1/2 statute mile in fog, temperature 45 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of Mercury. At 0653, the weather observation facility located at HOT reported the wind calm, overcast ceiling at 100 feet, visibility 1/2 statute mile in fog, temperature 45 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.00 inches of Mercury.

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