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NTSB Report
May 13, 1987 · Piper PA-32-300 · N32774
Sayre, PA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 13, 1987
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (2 fatalities, 1 serious injury)
Location
Sayre, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N32774
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC87FA146
DRG INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, SMOKE WAS OBSERVED IN THE COCKPIT. WHEN THE SMOKE BECAME HVY, THE PLT DECIDED TO LAND. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING ON RISING TERRAIN IN FOGGY CONDS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE HILL & BEGAN BURNING. DRG THE INVESTIGATION, ARCING TYPE BURNS WERE FOUND AROUND THE BOLT & NUT AT THE T1 TERMINAL. ALSO, THE EYELET FITTINGS ON THE ENDS OF 2 WIRES THAT ATTACHED AT THAT LOCATION WERE BADLY BURNED. THE SPECIFIC REASON FOR THE ARCING WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE PLT DID NOT HAVE A CURRENT BIENNIAL FLT REVIEW OR AIR TAXI/OPERATING CERTIFICATE.
Full Narrative
DRG INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, SMOKE WAS OBSERVED IN THE COCKPIT. WHEN THE SMOKE BECAME HVY, THE PLT DECIDED TO LAND. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING ON RISING TERRAIN IN FOGGY CONDS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE HILL & BEGAN BURNING. DRG THE INVESTIGATION, ARCING TYPE BURNS WERE FOUND AROUND THE BOLT & NUT AT THE T1 TERMINAL. ALSO, THE EYELET FITTINGS ON THE ENDS OF 2 WIRES THAT ATTACHED AT THAT LOCATION WERE BADLY BURNED. THE SPECIFIC REASON FOR THE ARCING WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE PLT DID NOT HAVE A CURRENT BIENNIAL FLT REVIEW OR AIR TAXI/OPERATING CERTIFICATE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN32774
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (2 fatalities, 1 serious injury)
Fatal2
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time11:26
Weather SourceWFAC