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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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August 11, 1986 · Piper PA-28-140 · N5803U

Sussex, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Sussex, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N5803U
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC86LA206

THE PIPER PA-28-140 HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WHEN THE MAIN CABIN DOOR UNLOCKED AT THE TOP. THE PILOT RETURNED FOR A LANDING, HAD TO GO-AROUND DUE TO TRAFFIC, AND WAS ON FINAL FOR HIS SECOND APPROACH, WITH THE TOP OF THE MAIN CABIN DOOR STILL UNLOCKED. WHEN, PASSING A HILL THE AIRCRAFT STARTED TO SINK AND FULL POWER WOULD NOT STOP THE DESCENT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TELEPHONE LINES AND A POLE SHEARING OFF THE RIGHT WING PRIOR TO HITTING THE GROUND. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES WHILE THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE AIRCRAFT PROPELLER TIPS WERE BENT FORWARD AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE PROPELLER HAD SEVERE LEADING EDGE DAMAGE AND CHORDWISE SCRAPES. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED AND NO DEFECTS OR MALFUNCTION COULD BE FOUND.

Full Narrative

THE PIPER PA-28-140 HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WHEN THE MAIN CABIN DOOR UNLOCKED AT THE TOP. THE PILOT RETURNED FOR A LANDING, HAD TO GO-AROUND DUE TO TRAFFIC, AND WAS ON FINAL FOR HIS SECOND APPROACH, WITH THE TOP OF THE MAIN CABIN DOOR STILL UNLOCKED. WHEN, PASSING A HILL THE AIRCRAFT STARTED TO SINK AND FULL POWER WOULD NOT STOP THE DESCENT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TELEPHONE LINES AND A POLE SHEARING OFF THE RIGHT WING PRIOR TO HITTING THE GROUND. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES WHILE THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE AIRCRAFT PROPELLER TIPS WERE BENT FORWARD AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE PROPELLER HAD SEVERE LEADING EDGE DAMAGE AND CHORDWISE SCRAPES. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED AND NO DEFECTS OR MALFUNCTION COULD BE FOUND.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:40 EDT
Nearest AirportSUSSEX (1nm NNE)
Runway21
Runway Length3510 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN5803U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNr
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

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Appendix: Source Data