# NTSB ATL83LA042: Piper PA-31-350, N3528U, Richmond, VA, November 23, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 22, 1982, 19:02 local (Nov 23, 1982, 00:02 UTC)
- Place: Richmond, VA
- Coordinates: 37.509071, -77.269714 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5091&lon=-77.2697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 22, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72386
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72386/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA042

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, climb - to cruise
  - engine assembly,cylinder - separation (cause)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,partial (cause)
  - engine assembly,crankcase - cracked (cause)
- Fire, climb - to cruise
  - fuel system,line - disconnected (cause)
  - fuel system,line - fire (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT HAD AN ENGINE FIRE A SHORT TIME AFTER TAKE-OFF FROM RICHMOND, VA. THE PILOT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AND DOVE THE AIRCRAFT FROM 6000 FEET TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. SINCE THE FIRE WENT OUT THE PLAN TO LAND AT PETERSBURG WAS CHANGED TO RICHMOND BECAUSE OF CRASH EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE. THE FIRE STARTED WHEN #5 CYLINDER SEPARATED AND RUPTURED A FUEL LINE. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED AT RICHMOND WITH NO FURTHER DAMAGE AND NO INJURIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3528U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-7952147
- Airframe hours: 2606
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-J2BD 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Mid South Airlines, Inc.
- Registered owner: Mid South Airlines, Inc.
- Departed: RIC, RICHMOND, VA
- Destination: RDU, RALEIGH, NC
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: RIC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,220 total, 85 in this make and model, 650 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 80° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 145 °F

## 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 19821122063009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821122063009A), Nov 22, 1982: Piper PA31350, Richmond, VA, Substantial damage. Left engine exploded and caught on fire. Engine was secured and flight returned to Richmond airport.

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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