# NTSB CHI87FA058: Piper PA-31T, N74NL, Merrillville, IN, December 30, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 30, 1986, 02:54 local (07:54 UTC)
- Place: Merrillville, IN
- Coordinates: 41.470615, -87.320556 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4706&lon=-87.3206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 11, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13627
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87FA058
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13627/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87FA058

## 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, descent - normal
  - engine assembly,bearing - distorted (contributing factor)
  - engine assembly,bearing - binding(mechanical) (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - inadequate, pilot in command
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - normal
  - electrical system - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, unknown
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight/nav instruments - failure,partial (contributing factor)
  - minimum descent altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - descent - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS ENROUTE TO THE CHICAGO MIDWAY ARPT. WHILE LETTING DOWN TO 16000 FT THE PILOT REPORTED HE WAS SHUTTING DOWN THE RIGHT ENG. ARTCC CLEARED THE ACFT TO 5000 FT. TEN MINUTES LATER ARTCC LOST RADIO TRANSPONDER AND MODE C CONTACT. 15 MINUTES LATER THE ACFT DESCENDED OUT OF THE 1800 FT OVERCAST AND STRUCK A 170 FT UTILITY TOWER AT THE 150 FT LEVEL. THE ACFT THEN GROUND IMPACTED AND BURNED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RT ENGINE HAD A BEARING FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N74NL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N74NL-2014-11-18), registration cancelled 2014-11-18, S/N 31T-7720010 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31T
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31t) (registry code 7103124) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7720010
- Airframe hours: 6888
- Engines: P&W PT-6A-28 620 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Wright Int'L Express Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 7, 1986, 31 hours before
- Departed: SDF, LOUISVILLE, KY
- Destination: MDW, CHICAGO, IL
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, multi-engine sea, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,170 total, 140 in this make and model, 2,110 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 330° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,100 ft broken
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MDW, 28 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 19861230069649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861230069649A), Dec 30, 1986: Piper PA31T, Merrillville, IN, Destroyed. Lost right engine and electrial power. Struck unlighted tower on forced landing. Inability to remain aloft unknown.

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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