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NTSB Report
September 12, 1983 · Piper PA-31-350 · N62971
Wheeling, IL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 12, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wheeling, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N62971
Operator
The Ertl
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI83LA424
THE ACFT WENT OFF THE RWY AND COLLAPSED THE LANDING GEAR AFTER POWER LOSS DURING TAKEOFF. THREE OF THE PASSENGERS FURNISHED STATEMENTS AND 2 SEEMED TO THINK THAT THE LEFT ENGINE QUIT. THE ACFT TURNED TO THE RIGHT BUT THE PILOT DID NOTKNOW WHICH ENGINE QUIT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE LEFT PROPELLER BLADES WERE IN FEATHER BUT ALL THE STOPS WERE BROKEN. THE RIGHT PROP BLADES WERE BENT BUT IN HIGH PITCH. DURING A LATER TEST RUN THE RIGHT ENGINE PRODUCED 48 INCHES OF MANIFOLD PRESSURE BUT THE LEFT PRODUCED ONLY 40 INCHES. THE RIGHT ENGINE HAD AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE TURBO-CHARGER. THE PUSH ROD COVERS WERE COVERED WITH A SILICONE SEALANT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT WENT OFF THE RWY AND COLLAPSED THE LANDING GEAR AFTER POWER LOSS DURING TAKEOFF. THREE OF THE PASSENGERS FURNISHED STATEMENTS AND 2 SEEMED TO THINK THAT THE LEFT ENGINE QUIT. THE ACFT TURNED TO THE RIGHT BUT THE PILOT DID NOTKNOW WHICH ENGINE QUIT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE LEFT PROPELLER BLADES WERE IN FEATHER BUT ALL THE STOPS WERE BROKEN. THE RIGHT PROP BLADES WERE BENT BUT IN HIGH PITCH. DURING A LATER TEST RUN THE RIGHT ENGINE PRODUCED 48 INCHES OF MANIFOLD PRESSURE BUT THE LEFT PRODUCED ONLY 40 INCHES. THE RIGHT ENGINE HAD AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE TURBO-CHARGER. THE PUSH ROD COVERS WERE COVERED WITH A SILICONE SEALANT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:10 CDT
Nearest AirportPalwaukee (0nm N)
Runway24
Runway Length3652 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN62971
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThe Ertl
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TSIO-542-J2BD · Reciprocating · 350
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO