# NTSB CHI86FA137: Piper PA-23-150, N1373P, Warren, MI, May 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1986, 18:19 local (22:19 UTC)
- Place: Warren, MI
- Coordinates: 42.469497, -82.990486 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4695&lon=-82.9905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13256
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13256/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FA137

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - lubricating system,oil hose - failure,partial (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT DEVELOPED A SMALL OIL LEAK DURING A X-COUNTRY FLT. THE PLT REDUCED POWER TO IDLE TO CONSERVE OIL EVEN THOUGH THE OIL PRESSURE WAS STILL IN THE NORMAL RANGE. DURING THE DESCENT THE ACFTS AIRSPEED WAS NOT MAINTAINED AND THE ACFT CONTACTED THE GROUND IN A STEEP NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE AFTER STALLING WITH THE POWER STILL RETARDED TO IDLE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE OIL LEAK WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO INTERFERE WITH NORMAL OPERATIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1373P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1373P-1989-06-15), registration cancelled 1989-06-15, S/N 23423 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23-423
- Airframe hours: 2170
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph Buzo
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 16, 1985, 30 hours before
- Departed: PTK, PONTIAC, MI
- Destination: DET, DETROIT, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,824 total, 349 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 17 knots, gusting 24
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DET, 6 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 19860504015429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860504015429A), May 4, 1986: Piper PA23, Warren, MI, Destroyed. The aircraft impacted the ground following power reduction for an oil leak. Pilot failed to feather the engine.

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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