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March 23, 1991 · Piper PA-23-160 · N4155P
Westbrook, ME
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 23, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Westbrook, ME
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-160
Tail Number
N4155P
Operator
Phoenix East Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC91LA092
ON AN IFR FLIGHT IN IMC CONDITIONS THE RIGHT ENGINE STARTED TO SHUDDER AND PRODUCE BLACK SMOKE, AND THEN THE PROPELLER WENT INTO FEATHER WITHOUT ACTUATION OF THE PROPELLER CONTROL. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE RIGHT ENGINE OIL WAS DILUTED BY GASOLINE, DUE TO A LEAK IN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP OF THE CARBURETOR WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO RUN RICH. INTERVIEWS DISCLOSED THE PILOT HAD 'DENIAL' ON THE ENGINE PROBLEM, DID NOT SECURE THE ENGINE, AND DID NOT DECLARE AN EMERGENCY WITH ARC. BOTH ENGINES WERE HIGH TIME WITH HIGH TIME SINCE OVERHAUL. HARTZELL PROPELLERS PERSONNEL VERIFIED DILUTED OIL COULD CAUSE A PROPELLER TO GO INTO UNCOMMANDED FEATHER.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND FLIGHT TIME IN TYPE OF AIRPLANE, THE PILOTS DECISION TO TAKE AN AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFECT, A LEAKY ACCELERATOR PUMP SEAL ON THE CARBURETOR, AND INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
ON AN IFR FLIGHT IN IMC CONDITIONS THE RIGHT ENGINE STARTED TO SHUDDER AND PRODUCE BLACK SMOKE, AND THEN THE PROPELLER WENT INTO FEATHER WITHOUT ACTUATION OF THE PROPELLER CONTROL. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE RIGHT ENGINE OIL WAS DILUTED BY GASOLINE, DUE TO A LEAK IN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP OF THE CARBURETOR WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO RUN RICH. INTERVIEWS DISCLOSED THE PILOT HAD 'DENIAL' ON THE ENGINE PROBLEM, DID NOT SECURE THE ENGINE, AND DID NOT DECLARE AN EMERGENCY WITH ARC. BOTH ENGINES WERE HIGH TIME WITH HIGH TIME SINCE OVERHAUL. HARTZELL PROPELLERS PERSONNEL VERIFIED DILUTED OIL COULD CAUSE A PROPELLER TO GO INTO UNCOMMANDED FEATHER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:08 EST
Nearest AirportPORTLAND (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-23-160
Tail NumberN4155P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPhoenix East Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 14 kt, gusting 23 kt
Ceiling500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time21:11
Weather SourceWFAC