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Casualties unknown

In-Flight Breakup Following Thunderstorm Encounter (N64MB)

College Park, MD, US

On July 31, 1989, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N64MB) operated by Archer Assoc. Inc was involved in an aviation accident near College Park, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND HIS EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN OVERLOAD FAILURE OF THE STABILATORS AND WINGS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft broke up in flight after encountering forecasted thunderstorms during an evening cross-country flight in IMC. Investigators found structural failures of the stabilator and wings.

Accident Details

The aircraft was returning from an evening cross-country flight when it operated in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The forecast for the area included rain showers and thunderstorms. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed after experiencing an in-flight breakup.

Investigation Findings

An investigation revealed that the horizontal stabilator failed first, followed by the outboard portion of both wings. The failures occurred in a down and aft direction. The stabilator and portions of the wings were discovered approximately 1,200 feet from the main fuselage wreckage.

Radar data indicated that the aircraft had entered an increasing left descending turn, followed by a rapid descent rate just before ground impact.

The aircraft's gross weight was estimated to be about 3,000 pounds. Its maximum certified gross weight was 2,900 pounds.

Pilot Background

A review of the pilot's logbook showed that he had obtained one hour of instrument flight time and one instrument approach in the previous six months.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 1989 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near College Park, MD?

An aircraft broke up in flight after encountering forecasted thunderstorms during an evening cross-country flight in IMC. Investigators found structural failures of the stabilator and wings.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N64MB, operated by Archer Assoc. Inc, at College Park, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, AND HIS EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN OVERLOAD FAILURE OF THE STABILATORS AND WINGS. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES, HIS LACK OF RECENT…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28737. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.