N6899C

Substantial
None

Piper PA28RS/N: 28R-7837176

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, October 28, 2018
NTSB Number
CEN19CA017
Location
Hobbs, NM
Event ID
20181029X22852
Coordinates
32.682220, -103.221107
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

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

Aircraft Information

Registration
N6899C
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28R-7837176
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA28RP28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
DAUGHDRILL WILLIAM H
Address
PO BOX 97
ANGELS RV PARK
Status
Deregistered
City
ORLA
State / Zip Code
TX 79770-0097
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN19CA017