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November 24, 1987 · Piper PA-32R-301 · N8046X
Commercial Pt, OH
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 24, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Commercial Pt, OH
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-301
Tail Number
N8046X
Operator
Scope Leasing
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL88FA044
THE ACFT CRASHED ON A WHEAT FIELD DURING A NIGHT INSTRUMENT TRAINING FLT. THE PLT HAD DECLARED A VACUUM SYSTEM FAILURE ABOUT 40 MINUTES AFTER TAKE-OFF BUT HE DECLINED ATC ASSISTANCE FOR A NO-GYRO APPROACH TO COLUMBUS. TWO MINUTES AFTER THE RADIO CALL RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST. RADAR DATA DISCLOSED ERRATIC HEADING AND AIRSPEED CHANGES DURING THE LAST MINUTE OF FLT. DURING THE POST ACC INVESTIGATION EACH OF THE INSTRUMENTS WAS FOUND TO CONTAIN A SUCTION CUP. BUT NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE VACUUM SYSTEM WAS FOUND. THE ACFT HAD ALSO BEEN MODIFIED WITH A STAND BY VACUUM SYSTEM FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY AFTER FAILURE OF THE PRIMARY SYSTEM. ONLY PIECES OF THE SYSTEM WERE FOUND DUE TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ACFT BUT THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. SUCTION CUPS, LIKE THE ONE FOUND, ARE USED BY INSTRUCTORS TO COVER INSTRUMENTS FOR PARTIAL PANEL TRAINING.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT CRASHED ON A WHEAT FIELD DURING A NIGHT INSTRUMENT TRAINING FLT. THE PLT HAD DECLARED A VACUUM SYSTEM FAILURE ABOUT 40 MINUTES AFTER TAKE-OFF BUT HE DECLINED ATC ASSISTANCE FOR A NO-GYRO APPROACH TO COLUMBUS. TWO MINUTES AFTER THE RADIO CALL RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST. RADAR DATA DISCLOSED ERRATIC HEADING AND AIRSPEED CHANGES DURING THE LAST MINUTE OF FLT. DURING THE POST ACC INVESTIGATION EACH OF THE INSTRUMENTS WAS FOUND TO CONTAIN A SUCTION CUP. BUT NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE VACUUM SYSTEM WAS FOUND. THE ACFT HAD ALSO BEEN MODIFIED WITH A STAND BY VACUUM SYSTEM FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY AFTER FAILURE OF THE PRIMARY SYSTEM. ONLY PIECES OF THE SYSTEM WERE FOUND DUE TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ACFT BUT THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. SUCTION CUPS, LIKE THE ONE FOUND, ARE USED BY INSTRUCTORS TO COVER INSTRUMENTS FOR PARTIAL PANEL TRAINING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:39 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32R-301
Tail NumberN8046X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorScope Leasing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1G5D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind110° @ 4 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC