# NTSB FTW82DA302: Douglas DC-3C, N102BL, El Paso, TX, July 30, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 30, 1982, 06:47 local (12:47 UTC)
- Place: El Paso, TX
- Coordinates: 31.799953, -106.360671 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8000&lon=-106.3607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 30, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70568
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA302
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70568/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA302

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - lubricating system - no pressure (cause)
  - propeller feathering - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - gear extension - initiated, pilot in command
  - landing gear,gear indicating system - undetermined (cause)
  - go-around - initiated, pilot in command
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - airspeed(vmc) - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT ABOUT 800 FT AGL, THE LEFT ENGINE OIL TEMPERATE BECAME HIGH AND REPORTEDLY THERE WAS A LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE THEN FEATHERED THE LEFT ENGINE AND DECLARED AN EMERGENCY. ON FINAL APPROACH, HE DID NOT GET A SAFE GEAR INDICATION. THE PILOT STARTED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND. BUT AT ABOUT THAT TIME, HE WAS COMMITTED TO LAND. WHILE MANEUVERING, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN THE DESERT. THERE WAS 2700 LBS OF CARGO ON BOARD. THE ELEVATION WAS ABOUT 3950 FT AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS REPORTED AT 72 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N102BL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N102BL-1983-11-11), registration cancelled 1983-11-11, S/N 32654 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS DC-3C
- Registry model: [Douglas DC3C](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-dc3c) (registry code 3021457) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23654
- Airframe hours: 18348
- Engines: P&W R-1830-90C 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Pronto Aviation Services
- Registered owner: Pronto Aviation Services
- Departed: EL PASO, TX
- Destination: TUS, TUCSON, AZ
- Airport: runway 4, 11,012 × 0 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 22,188 total, 1,108 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 162 °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 19820730051929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820730051929A), Jul 30, 1982: Doug DC3C, El Paso, TX, Destroyed. The aircraft crashed while maneuvering to land with one engine out and an unsafe landing gear indication.

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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