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NTSB Report
November 26, 1989 · Piper PA-23-160 · N4359P
New Bern, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 26, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
New Bern, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-160
Tail Number
N4359P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90LA032
THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER IN BOTH ENGINES SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. A FORCED LANDING WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MADE IN A FIELD; THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DITCH DURING ROLLOUT. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT REPORTED THAT BOTH ENGINES HAD MADE A 'POPPING NOISE' WHEN THEY LOST POWER. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. DURING A SUBSEQUENT ENGINE TEST-RUN ATTEMPT, BOTH ENGINES STARTED NORMALLY AND DEVELOPED POWER. THE RIGHT-ENGINE RUN WAS LIMITED TO 55% POWER DUE TO AIRPLANE DAMAGE. THE LEFT-ENGINE WAS RUN UP TO FULL POWER WITH NO PROBLEMS. DURING THE LEFT-ENGINE RUN-UP, FUEL TO THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF; AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A POPPING NOISE AND LOST POWER.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ENSURE THAT THE ENGINE FUEL SELECTOR VALVES WERE PROPERLY POSITIONED PRIOR TO TAKEOFF, WHICH LED TO FUEL STARVATION AND A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING TAKEOFF.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER IN BOTH ENGINES SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. A FORCED LANDING WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MADE IN A FIELD; THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DITCH DURING ROLLOUT. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT REPORTED THAT BOTH ENGINES HAD MADE A 'POPPING NOISE' WHEN THEY LOST POWER. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. DURING A SUBSEQUENT ENGINE TEST-RUN ATTEMPT, BOTH ENGINES STARTED NORMALLY AND DEVELOPED POWER. THE RIGHT-ENGINE RUN WAS LIMITED TO 55% POWER DUE TO AIRPLANE DAMAGE. THE LEFT-ENGINE WAS RUN UP TO FULL POWER WITH NO PROBLEMS. DURING THE LEFT-ENGINE RUN-UP, FUEL TO THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF; AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A POPPING NOISE AND LOST POWER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 EST
Nearest AirportCraven County Regional (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length4804 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-23-160
Tail NumberN4359P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:47
Weather SourceWFAC