# NTSB BFO90LA004: Piper PA-23-150, N2224P, Wytheville, VA, October 29, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1989, 02:40 local (07:40 UTC)
- Place: Wytheville, VA
- Coordinates: 36.950508, -81.07917 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9505&lon=-81.0792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11563
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90LA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11563/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA004

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF PROPELLER CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - propeller system/accessories - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - berm (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE IN CRUISE FLT AT 6,500 FT, AT A POWER SETTING OF 2500 RPM WITH 21 INCHES MP, THE PLT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO SYNCHRONIZE THE LEFT PROP. HE STATED THE PROP THEN DECREASED TO 1500 RPM, SURGED TO 3000, THEN DROPPED BACK TO 1500. HE ATTEMPTED TO FEATHER THE PROP BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALT WITH POWER FROM THE RIGHT ENG, THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING ON AN INTERSTATE. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE LEFT WING CONTACTED AN EMBANKMENT AND THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. A FIRE STARTED IN THE RIGHT ENGINE AND THE RIGHT WING WAS DESTROYED. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE LEFT PROPELLER FAILED TO REVEAL ANY REASON WHY THE FLUCTUATION IN RPM HAD OCCURRED. NOR DID IT REVEAL WHY THE PROP WOULD NOT FEATHER. WATER WAS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE LEFT ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM. THE PROPS HAD BEEN OVERHAULED PRIOR TO THIS FLT. THE LEFT PROP GOVERNOR WAS BENCH TESTED AND ALTHOUGH CAPABLE OF OPERATION WAS FOUND TO BE OPERATING SLIGHTLY OUT IT'S SPECIFIED OPERATING RANGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2224P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2224P-2012-08-30), registration cancelled 2012-08-30, S/N 23-833, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23) (registry code 7102302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23833
- Airframe hours: 2589
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert J. Nichols
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 28, 1989, 5 hours before
- Departed: 19J, HOMERVILLE, GA
- Destination: CHO, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,975 total, 15 in this make and model, 2,742 as pilot in command, 290 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 70° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BLF, 21 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 19891029043479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891029043479A), Oct 29, 1989: Piper PA23, Wytheville, VA, Substantial damage. Lost power left engine en route at night. Crash landed on freeway. Left tank empty with water. Prop not feathered.

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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