# NTSB ATL87LA245: Piper PA-25, N6094Z, Myrtle Beach, SC, August 30, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1987, 13:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Myrtle Beach, SC
- Coordinates: 33.690654, -78.889076 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6907&lon=-78.8891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7508
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA245
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7508/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA245

## 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, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,cylinder - cracked (cause)
  - fluid,oil - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - fuselage,crew compartment - smoke
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

AFTER ABOUT 45 MNTES INTO THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT NOTICED A DROP IN ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WHEN HE DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE, AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER. THE PILOT HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO DITCH. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINIATION DISCLOSED THAT, NO. 4 CYLINDER WAS CRACKED IN THE SPARK PLUG HOLE WHICH TRAVELED TOWARDS THE EXHAUST PORT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AUTOMOTIVE FUEL WAS USED FOR THIS FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6094Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6094Z-2012-10-02), registration cancelled 2012-10-02, S/N 25-108, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25) (registry code 7102502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25108
- Airframe hours: 2500
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: O'K Aviation Salvage
- Registered owner: O.K. Aviation Salvage
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 25, 1987, 17 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,539 total, 14 in this make and model, 1,475 as pilot in command, 271 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRE

## 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 19870830048559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870830048559A), Aug 30, 1987: Piper PA25, Myrtle Beach, SC, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the banner tow aircraft was ditched. Number 4 cylinder was cracked, blowing out the sparkplug

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.