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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 18, 1994 · Piper PA-23 · N556PR

San Juan, PR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
San Juan, PR
Aircraft
Piper PA-23
Tail Number
N556PR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA197

THE PILOT STATED THE LEFT ENGINE LOST POWER ON TAKEOFF. THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED TO THE LEFT AND DID NOT CLIMB HIGH ENOUGH TO CLEAR A CONSTRUCTION CRANE THAT WAS LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY. THE LEFT WING OF THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE CRANE AND THE AIRCRAFT DESCENDED AND CRASHED UPRIGHT INTO THE BAY. THE PILOT ATTRIBUTED THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE LEFT ENGINE TO HIS FAILURE TO PROPERLY DRAIN ALL WATER FROM THE FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO FLIGHT. THE LEFT ENGINE SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE CRASH AND WAS NOT RECOVERED. THE PILOT DID NOT HOLD A MULTI-ENGINE RATING. THE PILOT REPORTED HE HAS 6 HOURS OF MULTI-ENGINE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TIME AND NO DUAL INSTRUCTION IN MULTI-ENGINE AIRCRAFT.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL FOLLOWING LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMANDS IMPROPER AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT INSPECTION AND DRAINING OF FUEL TANKS AND HIS LACK OF TRAINING IN MULTI-ENGINE AIRCRAFT.

Full Narrative

On August 18, 1994, about 1802 Atlantic standard time, a Piper PA-23, N556PR, registered to Francisco Soto, ditched in San Juan Harbor, San Juan, Puerto Rico, following loss of engine power during takeoff from Fernando Dominicci Airport, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that during takeoff the left engine lost power. The aircraft drifted to the left and did not climb high enough to clear a construction crane located to the left of the runway. The left wing of the aircraft struck the crane and the aircraft descended and crashed upright in the water. The left engine separated from the aircraft on impact and was not recovered. The pilot stated on his aircraft accident report to NTSB that he did not have any mechanical failures and that loss of power in the left engine was attributed to his failure to properly drain water from the fuel tanks. Federal Aviation Administration records indicate the pilot holds a private pilot certificate with a airplane single engine land rating. The pilot does not hold a airplane multi-engine land rating. The pilot reported he has 6 hours of pilot-in-command time and no dual instruction time in multi-engine aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:02 AST
Nearest AirportFernando Dominicci (1nm E)
Runway9
Runway Length5317 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-23
Tail NumberN556PR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A3B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 10 kt
Visibility14 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data