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NTSB Report
April 18, 1985 · Piper PA-23-250 · N506AC
Clarion, PA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Clarion, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-250
Tail Number
N506AC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC85LA108
THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO POSITION THE AIRCRAFT AT PITTSBURGH, PA. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AT BUFFALO, TWO TO THREE SHORT POWER SURGES IN THE NO. 1 ENGINE WERE EXPERIENCED BUT THE PILOT DECIDED NOT TO ABORT AND CONTINUED TO DESTINATION. THE AIRCRAFT RAN SMOOTHLY WITH THE MIXTURE LEANED AND THE RPM AT 2400. HOWEVER WHEN THE PILOT FURTHER LEAN THE LEFT MIXTURE, THE NO. 1 ENGINE BEGAN TO SURGE AS THOUGH IT WAS FUEL STARVED. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE AT CLARION AIRPORT, WHILE LANDING, AT 60 KNOTS. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED ROLLING OFF THE RUNWAY THROUGH THE GRASS AND OVER A 10' CLIFF.
Full Narrative
THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO POSITION THE AIRCRAFT AT PITTSBURGH, PA. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AT BUFFALO, TWO TO THREE SHORT POWER SURGES IN THE NO. 1 ENGINE WERE EXPERIENCED BUT THE PILOT DECIDED NOT TO ABORT AND CONTINUED TO DESTINATION. THE AIRCRAFT RAN SMOOTHLY WITH THE MIXTURE LEANED AND THE RPM AT 2400. HOWEVER WHEN THE PILOT FURTHER LEAN THE LEFT MIXTURE, THE NO. 1 ENGINE BEGAN TO SURGE AS THOUGH IT WAS FUEL STARVED. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE AT CLARION AIRPORT, WHILE LANDING, AT 60 KNOTS. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED ROLLING OFF THE RUNWAY THROUGH THE GRASS AND OVER A 10' CLIFF.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:15 EST
Nearest AirportClarion Co. (0nm N)
Runway5
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-23-250
Tail NumberN506AC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 · Reciprocating · 310
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 22 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time06:50
Weather SourcePILO