Atlanta – Memphis

On June 21, 1989 at 08:23 AM, Atlanta – Memphis experienced a crash involving Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601), operated by Aerostar Transport, with the event recorded near Lithia Springs Georgia.

The flight was categorized as executive/corporate/business and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a plain, valley crash site.

3 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 2, passenger fatalities: 2, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. Eleven minutes after departure the pilot reported smoke and a right engine problem, then said 'going down'. Right wing and engine assemblies separated in flight. Fire damage vicinity of right engine left turbocharger; tailpipe assembly had separated. Heavy smoke and heat damage between right wing forward and aft wing spars. Tailpipe had failed in fatigue near flange where attached to turbocharger exhaust port. Evidence of non-uniformly seated gasket between flanges. Also, right engine lower left engine mount deteriorated; significant portion of rubber missing. Piper sb #818 (ad87-07-09) accomplished 5/21/88; requires removal and inspection of exhaust system for cracks and reinstallation with new flange gaskets.

Aircraft reference details include registration N83AT, MSN 61-0296-074, year of manufacture 1976.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 33.7940°, -84.6605°.