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NTSB Report
November 14, 1989 · Piper PA-32R-300 · N4945F
Morrisville, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 14, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Morrisville, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-300
Tail Number
N4945F
Operator
Wra
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL90LA027
THE FLIGHT HAD INTERCEPTED THE GLIDE SLOPE, WITH THE LANDING GEAR AND FLAPS EXTENDED, WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT ESTABLISHED AN 85 KNOT EMERGENCY GLIDE ON THE LOCALIZER COURSE. ATTEMPTS TO START THE ENGINE FAILED. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES, FELL TO THE GROUND AND BURNED. THE PILOT MANAGED TO ESCAPE THE BURNING AIRPLANE WITH MINOR INJURIES. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT MOVING THE FUEL MIXTURE LEVER TO THE RICH POSITION. NORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INSTRUCT THE PILOT TO RETURN THE MIXTURE LEVER TO THE RICH POSITION.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. THE DARK NIGHT AND INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE FLIGHT HAD INTERCEPTED THE GLIDE SLOPE, WITH THE LANDING GEAR AND FLAPS EXTENDED, WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT ESTABLISHED AN 85 KNOT EMERGENCY GLIDE ON THE LOCALIZER COURSE. ATTEMPTS TO START THE ENGINE FAILED. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES, FELL TO THE GROUND AND BURNED. THE PILOT MANAGED TO ESCAPE THE BURNING AIRPLANE WITH MINOR INJURIES. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT MOVING THE FUEL MIXTURE LEVER TO THE RICH POSITION. NORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INSTRUCT THE PILOT TO RETURN THE MIXTURE LEVER TO THE RICH POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:55 EST
Nearest AirportRaleigh-Durham (0nm N)
Runway23R
Runway Length10000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32R-300
Tail NumberN4945F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWra
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1G5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind230° @ 4 kt
Ceiling100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time09:50
Weather SourceWFAC