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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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March 19, 1985 · Piper PA-23-150 · N2154P

Justin, TX

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 19, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Justin, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-150
Tail Number
N2154P
Operator
L E Clark
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW85LA156

THE PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS A MULT-ENGINE FLT CHECK GIVEN BY A DESIGNATED EXAMINER TO THE COMMERCIAL PLT. ACCORDING TO THE EXAMINER THE RIGHT ENG, WHICH WAS STILL HOT FROM THE PREVIOUS FLT, WOULD NOT START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL START OF THE LEFT ENG THE APPLICANT AGAIN TRIED TO START THE RIGHT ENG WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM BENEATH THE RIGHT NACELLE. COCKPIT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND EXTINGUISHING EFFORTS BY GROUND PERSONNEL FAILED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE EXAMINER OPENED THE DOOR AND INITIATED EVACUATION OF THE CABIN. BOTH CREWMEMBERS SAFELY ABANDONED THE ACFT WITHOUT SECURING THE LEFT ENG. THE BURNING ACFT TAXIED OUT OF CONTROL INTO A PARKED AG ACFT.

Full Narrative

THE PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS A MULT-ENGINE FLT CHECK GIVEN BY A DESIGNATED EXAMINER TO THE COMMERCIAL PLT. ACCORDING TO THE EXAMINER THE RIGHT ENG, WHICH WAS STILL HOT FROM THE PREVIOUS FLT, WOULD NOT START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL START OF THE LEFT ENG THE APPLICANT AGAIN TRIED TO START THE RIGHT ENG WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM BENEATH THE RIGHT NACELLE. COCKPIT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND EXTINGUISHING EFFORTS BY GROUND PERSONNEL FAILED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE EXAMINER OPENED THE DOOR AND INITIATED EVACUATION OF THE CABIN. BOTH CREWMEMBERS SAFELY ABANDONED THE ACFT WITHOUT SECURING THE LEFT ENG. THE BURNING ACFT TAXIED OUT OF CONTROL INTO A PARKED AG ACFT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CST
Nearest AirportCLARK (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-23-150
Tail NumberN2154P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorL E Clark
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A1A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time15:30
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data