# NTSB ATL88FA055: Piper PA-32-260, N5587J, Lagrange, GA, December 6, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 6, 1987, 14:43 local (19:43 UTC)
- Place: Lagrange, GA
- Coordinates: 33.039329, -85.12014 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0393&lon=-85.1201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 22, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- ADs cited in the narratives: [AD 78-09-07 R3](https://openairdocs.org/ad/78-09-07-R3) (OpenAirDocs)
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7570
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88FA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7570/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88FA055

## 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
  - ignition system,magneto - erratic (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - maintenance,compliance with ad - not performed, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - leak (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - bridge/overpass (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT LOST POWER IN CRUISE, IN DAY, VMC. MADE APCH TO INTERSTATE HWY I85. HIT OVERPASS SUPPORT COLUMN AT 15 FEET AGL. ENGINE OVERHAULED 51 HOURS BEFORE ACCIDENT. OVERHAUL RECORDS INDICATED MAGNETO REPAIR. ANNUAL INSP RECORDS INDICATED COMPLIANCE WITH AD 78-09-07, REGARDING MAGNETO. POSTCRASH EVIDENCE INDICATED INADEQUATE OVERHAUL, CARBURETOR AND MAGNETO NOT OVERHAULED. MECHANIC HAD LENGHTY HISTORY OF VIOLATIONS BY FAA FOR IMPROPER REPAIRS. POSTCRASH TESTING SHOWED LEFT MAG FIRING INTERMITTENTLY & CARB THROTTLE VALVE SEALS LEAKING, INDUCING A LEAN MIXTURE. CARB ACCELERATOR PUMP WEAK. ENGINE HESITATED WHEN THROTTLE JAMMED DURING POSTCRASH ENGINE RUN. PIC GOT PVT CERTIFICATE 9/73.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5587J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5587J-1991-05-02), registration cancelled 1991-05-02, S/N 321047 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-1047
- Airframe hours: 4325
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joe Chao/ John Goff Assoc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 17, 1987, 122 hours before
- Departed: PIM, PINE MOUNTAIN, GA
- Destination: 47A, CANTON, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 150 total, 16 in this make and model, 100 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CSH, 32 nm away

## 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 19871206070759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871206070759A), Dec 6, 1987: Piper PA32260, Lagrange, GA, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Engine quit. Aircraft struck a highway overpass on forced landing. Improper maintenance included mags and carburetor

## Other investigations on N5587J (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA74DLA11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA74DLA11), Aug 29, 1973: Piper PA-32 (N5587J), Chipley, FL, substantial damage

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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