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NTSB Report
April 7, 1989 · Piper PA-32-260B · N766RW
Richmond, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 7, 1989
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (3 fatalities, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Richmond, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260B
Tail Number
N766RW
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO89FA028
THE FLIGHT WAS EN ROUTE AT 8000 FT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PLT WAS INSTRUMENT RATED, BUT THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED COPLT WAS FLYING THE ACFT. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. HE SAID HE DID NOT USE CARBURETOR HEAT. A FORCED LANDING INTO AN OPEN FIELD WAS ATTEMPTED. HOWEVER, THE ACFT STRUCK TREES IN A WOODED AREA ADJACENT TO THE FIELD. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTIONS. THE ENGINE WAS TEST RUN AND IT OPERATED SATISFACTORY. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO INDUCTION ICING. ANOTHER PLT FLYING IN THE AREA AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING ICING CONDITIONS.
NTSB Probable Cause
ENGINE LOST POWER BECAUSE OF INDUCTION ICING. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE CONDITIONS CONDUVICE TO INDUCTION ICING AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE FLIGHT WAS EN ROUTE AT 8000 FT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PLT WAS INSTRUMENT RATED, BUT THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED COPLT WAS FLYING THE ACFT. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. HE SAID HE DID NOT USE CARBURETOR HEAT. A FORCED LANDING INTO AN OPEN FIELD WAS ATTEMPTED. HOWEVER, THE ACFT STRUCK TREES IN A WOODED AREA ADJACENT TO THE FIELD. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTIONS. THE ENGINE WAS TEST RUN AND IT OPERATED SATISFACTORY. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO INDUCTION ICING. ANOTHER PLT FLYING IN THE AREA AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING ICING CONDITIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest Airport3nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260B
Tail NumberN766RW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary5 injuries (3 fatalities, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal3
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:32
Weather SourceWFAC