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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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December 6, 1987 · Piper PA-32-260 · N5587J

Lagrange, GA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 6, 1987
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Lagrange, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N5587J
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL88FA055

PLT LOST POWER IN CRUISE, IN DAY, VMC. MADE APCH TO INTERSTATE HWY I85. HIT OVERPASS SUPPORT COLUMN AT 15 FEET AGL. ENGINE OVERHAULED 51 HOURS BEFORE ACCIDENT. OVERHAUL RECORDS INDICATED MAGNETO REPAIR. ANNUAL INSP RECORDS INDICATED COMPLIANCE WITH AD 78-09-07, REGARDING MAGNETO. POSTCRASH EVIDENCE INDICATED INADEQUATE OVERHAUL, CARBURETOR AND MAGNETO NOT OVERHAULED. MECHANIC HAD LENGHTY HISTORY OF VIOLATIONS BY FAA FOR IMPROPER REPAIRS. POSTCRASH TESTING SHOWED LEFT MAG FIRING INTERMITTENTLY & CARB THROTTLE VALVE SEALS LEAKING, INDUCING A LEAN MIXTURE. CARB ACCELERATOR PUMP WEAK. ENGINE HESITATED WHEN THROTTLE JAMMED DURING POSTCRASH ENGINE RUN. PIC GOT PVT CERTIFICATE 9/73.

Full Narrative

PLT LOST POWER IN CRUISE, IN DAY, VMC. MADE APCH TO INTERSTATE HWY I85. HIT OVERPASS SUPPORT COLUMN AT 15 FEET AGL. ENGINE OVERHAULED 51 HOURS BEFORE ACCIDENT. OVERHAUL RECORDS INDICATED MAGNETO REPAIR. ANNUAL INSP RECORDS INDICATED COMPLIANCE WITH AD 78-09-07, REGARDING MAGNETO. POSTCRASH EVIDENCE INDICATED INADEQUATE OVERHAUL, CARBURETOR AND MAGNETO NOT OVERHAULED. MECHANIC HAD LENGHTY HISTORY OF VIOLATIONS BY FAA FOR IMPROPER REPAIRS. POSTCRASH TESTING SHOWED LEFT MAG FIRING INTERMITTENTLY & CARB THROTTLE VALVE SEALS LEAKING, INDUCING A LEAN MIXTURE. CARB ACCELERATOR PUMP WEAK. ENGINE HESITATED WHEN THROTTLE JAMMED DURING POSTCRASH ENGINE RUN. PIC GOT PVT CERTIFICATE 9/73.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:43 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN5587J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 3 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingOvercast 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 21 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:52
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data