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Aircraft Lost from View During Nighttime Go-Around After Communications Issue (N4106W)

Glastonbury, CT, US

On October 11, 1989, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N4106W) was involved in an aviation accident near Glastonbury, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE CONTROL DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE AIRPLANE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THE PILOT'S OPERATION AT NIGHT, WITHOUT EMERGENCY LIGHTING (FLASHLIGHT). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

Pilots reported a communications problem using a handheld radio while six miles southwest of the airport. They were cleared to land, but indicated they might go around. Tower instructed a go-around and right 360 turn. The aircraft made a slow descending right turn, then disappeared below the treeline over unlit wooded terrain during darkness.

Event Overview

According to reports, the pilots of an aircraft were six miles southwest of the airport when they notified air traffic control that they were experiencing a communications problem and were using a handheld radio. The flight was issued traffic information from the tower and given clearance to land at the airport.

Circumstances

During the approach, the pilots indicated to the tower that they might need to execute a go-around. The tower subsequently issued instructions for the pilots to go around, perform a right 360-degree turn, and report back when on final approach. The aircraft was observed making a slow, descending right turn. After completing approximately 120 degrees of the turn, the aircraft disappeared from view below the treeline.

The accident occurred over unlit, wooded terrain during the hours of darkness. No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or outcome have been disclosed in the initial report.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 1989 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Glastonbury, CT?

Pilots reported a communications problem using a handheld radio while six miles southwest of the airport. They were cleared to land, but indicated they might go around. Tower instructed a go-around and right 360 turn. The aircraft made a slow descending right turn, then disappeared below the treeline over unlit…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 1989 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N4106W, at Glastonbury, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE CONTROL DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE AIRPLANE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THE PILOT'S OPERATION AT NIGHT, WITHOUT EMERGENCY LIGHTING (FLASHLIGHT).

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29687. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.