# NTSB ATL84FA282: Piper PA-31-325, N29RH, Lynchburg, VA, September 9, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 9, 1984, 11:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Lynchburg, VA
- Coordinates: 37.359279, -79.219718 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3593&lon=-79.2197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6301
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84FA282
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6301/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA282

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PLT REPORTED TO THE TOWER THAT THE LEFT ENG HAD FAILED. THE PROP WAS FEATHERED AND A LEFT TURN TO DOWNWIND INITIATED. IN THE TURN THE RIGHT ENG FAILED AND THE ACFT FLEW INTO TREES IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA ABOUT 1 MILE FROM THE ARPT. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE DISCOVERED. NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN EITHER ENGINE. THE FUEL SELECTORS FOR BOTH ENGS WERE ON THE OUTBOARD POSITIONS. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE MAIN FUEL TANKS WERE FILLED. NO FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE OUTBOARD TANKS. IMPACT RUPTURED THE RIGHT OUTBOARD TANK. APRX 1 CUP OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE LEFT TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N29RH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-325
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-243
- Airframe hours: 6637
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-A2B 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Georgetown Aircraft
- Registered owner: Ursa Air Ltd.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 18, 1984, 99 hours before
- Departed: LYH, LYNCHBURG, VA
- Destination: N63, SUSSEX, NJ
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: LYH, Lynchburg

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 955 total, 19 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LYH, 1 nm away

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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