# NTSB ATL91LA164: Piper PA-23-160, N44PG, Stockbridge, GA, August 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1991, 18:40 local (22:40 UTC)
- Place: Stockbridge, GA
- Coordinates: 33.540126, -84.239746 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5401&lon=-84.2397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8461
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8461/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA164

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED AFTER EXPERIENCING A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.  FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE, LOOSE CARBURETORS, ANNUAL INSPECTION NOT PERFORMED, AND PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, go-around (vfr)
  - all engines
  - fuel system,carburetor - loose (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

DURING CLIMBOUT ON A GO AROUND, THE PILOT REPORTED A REDUCTION IN RIGHT ENGINE POWER.  REPORTEDLY, THE PILOT MAINTAINED A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE UNTIL THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND CRASHED IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE ADJACENT TO A SINGLE FAMILY HOME.  WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THAT BOTH CARBURETORS WERE LEAKING AIR BETWEEN THE CARBURETOR BOWLS AND THROTTLE BODIES. A WITNESS REPORTED REDUCED POWER, BUT THE ENGINES CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE AIRPLANE HAD FLOWN ONLY 2 HOURS SINCE THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION ON JUNE 20, 1990.  THE PILOT COMPLETED A BFR 60 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N44PG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N44PG-1991-12-23), registration cancelled 1991-12-23, S/N 231996 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23-160) (registry code 7102304) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23-1996
- Airframe hours: 3136
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B3B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gilder, Ralph W.
- Registered owner: Gilder, Ralph W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 20, 1990, 2 hours before
- Airport: 4A0, Berry Hill, runway 29, 3,000 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 430 total, 100 in this make and model, 390 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ATL, 15 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 19910831037669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910831037669A), Aug 31, 1991: Piper PA23160, Stockbridge, GA, Substantial damage. Reported power reduction right engine on go around. Below VMC. Crashed. Carburetors loose and fouled plugs.

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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