# NTSB DEN87LA164: Piper PA-28R-200, N5032S, Lordsburg, NM, July 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1987, 08:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Lordsburg, NM
- Coordinates: 32.34056, -108.699417 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3406&lon=-108.6994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17255
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17255/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA164

## 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,blade - fatigue (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - loss,partial (cause)
  - miscellaneous - vibration (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command

## Analysis

WHILE EN ROUTE ON A X-COUNTRY FLT, A SEVERE ENG VIBRATION BEGAN. THE PLT REDUCED POWER & SLOWED THE AIRSPEED TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF THE VIBRATION. SUBSEQUENTLY, HE ELECTED TO MAKE A WHEELS-UP LANDING ON ROCKY DESERT TERRAIN. AFTER LANDING, HE DISCOVERED THE TIP OF ONE PROP BLADE HAD BROKEN OFF IN FLT. A METALLURGICAL EXAM REVEALED EVIDENCE OF FATIGUE FAILURE WHICH ORIGINATED NEAR THE LEADING EDGE OF THE BLADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5032S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5032S-2013-03-19), registration cancelled 2013-03-19, S/N 28R-35794, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R35794
- Airframe hours: 2350
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Irwin A. Krugel
- Registered owner: Joel P Rice
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 5, 1987
- Departed: P19, CHANDLER, AZ
- Destination: CNM, CARLSBAD, NM
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,452 total, 53 in this make and model, 1,122 as pilot in command, 49 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19870703032179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870703032179A), Jul 3, 1987: Piper PA28R200, Lordsburg, NM, Substantial damage. Severe vibration en route. Landed in a rough rocky field. Found ten inches of prop blade broke off due metal fatigue

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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