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Aircraft Crashes While Turning Downwind for Landing (N82824)

Lincoln, MA, US

On May 23, 1998, a Piper PA-28RT-201 (registration N82824) was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. 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 crashed during a turn downwind for runway 29 after a 4.5-hour cross-country flight. A witness observed a sharp right bank and no engine trouble. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Accident Overview

The aircraft crashed while maneuvering for landing on runway 29 after completing a 4.5-hour cross-country flight. The pilot was in communication with the tower, but no distress calls were recorded.

Witness Account

A witness reported seeing the aircraft approach from the west. The airplane banked sharply to the right at a 45-degree angle just above the trees. The witness stated that "it did not sound like there was any engine trouble" and that the aircraft "was trying to nose up" and "did not look like a plane crashing."

Accident Site

Inspection of the accident site revealed that the aircraft impacted the ground in a wooded area at a descent angle of 48 degrees. The wreckage was oriented on a magnetic heading of 180 degrees.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 1998 Piper PA-28RT-201 accident near Lincoln, MA?

An aircraft crashed during a turn downwind for runway 29 after a 4.5-hour cross-country flight. A witness observed a sharp right bank and no engine trouble. No mechanical malfunction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 1998 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201, registration N82824, at Lincoln, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10171. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.