# NTSB ATL83FA003: Piper PA-31-310, N1ET, Dyersburg, TN, October 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1982, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Dyersburg, TN
- Coordinates: 36.030052, -89.379714 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0301&lon=-89.3797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 5 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 4, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70531
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83FA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70531/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FA003

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - normal
  - nacelle/pylon,skin - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - nacelle/pylon,skin - loose (contributing factor)
  - nacelle/pylon,skin - vibration (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - propeller feathering - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - starting procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - not selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload
  - landing gear,nose gear - failure,total
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

AT 30 MI NORTH OF THE DESTINATION, THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE RIGHT ENG COWL POPPED LOOSE & BEGAN VIBRATING SEVERELY, THE PLT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE COWLING WOULD BREAK LOOSE & STRIKE THE VERT OF HORIZ STABILIZER SO HE FEATHERED THE R ENG. ATTHIS POINT, THE ARPT WAS ABOUT 19 MI AWAY. HOWEVER, HE STATED HE COULDN'T GET MORE THAN 28-29 INCHES OF MP ON THE L ENG & ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE R ENG. THE PROP CAME OUT OF FEATHER BUT THE ENG WOULD NOT START. THE WINDMILLING PROP CAUSED THE RATE OF DESCENT TO INCREASE & MADE A FORCED LANDING IMMINENT. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE NOSE GR COLLAPSED & THE ACFT NOSED OVER ONTO ITS BACK. THE R ENG FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE OFF POSITION. DURING THE TEST OF THE R ENG, IT RAN NORMALLY & REACHED 34-35 INCHES OF MP WITH NO ABNORMALITIES NOTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1ET](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1ET-2014-08-28), registration cancelled 2014-08-28, S/N 31-506, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-310
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31-310](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-310) (registry code 7103102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-506
- Airframe hours: 6266
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-A2B 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Midwest Air Svcs. Inc.
- Registered owner: Midwest Air Svcs. Inc.
- Departed: ST. LOUIS, MO
- Destination: DYERSBURG, TN
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: DYR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 10,400 total, 850 in this make and model, 55 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19821004050999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821004050999A), Oct 4, 1982: Piper PA31, Dyersburg, TN, Substantial damage. Right engine shut down because of loose cowling. Could not maintain altitude or restart. Fuel shut off right engine

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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