# NTSB FTW83LA034: Piper PA-24-260, N8705P, El Paso, TX, November 9, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 9, 1982, 15:50 local (22:50 UTC)
- Place: El Paso, TX
- Coordinates: 31.799591, -106.360717 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.7996&lon=-106.3607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70570
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70570/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA034

## Analysis

WHILE ON A BUSINESS CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE FUEL PRESSURE BEGAN DROPPING WITH A SUBSEQUENT DROP IN POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO REDUCE MANIFOLD PRESSURE TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING. APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MILES FROM EL PASO AIRPORT THE PILOT LANDED ON THE DESERT. DURING LANDING THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A MOUND OF SAND AND GROUND LOOPED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY REASON FOR LOSS OF FUEL FLOW AND ENGINE STOPPAGE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8705P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8705P), registered now, S/N 24-4152 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-260) (registry code 7102406) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 244152
- Airframe hours: 2043
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-D 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Central Machinery Company
- Registered owner: Central Machinery Company
- Departed: SAT, SAN ANTONIO, TX
- Destination: CGZ, CASA GRANDE, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 571 total, 427 in this make and model, 388 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 149 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19821109057879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821109057879A), Nov 9, 1982: Piper PA24260, El Paso, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power and pilot made emergency landing in desert attempting to reach airport.

## Other investigations on N8705P (2)

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.

- [NTSB MIA68D0460](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA68D0460), Mar 29, 1968: Piper PA-24 (N8705P), Memphis, TN, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA67D0459](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA67D0459), Mar 28, 1967: Piper PA-24 (N8705P), Millington, TN, substantial damage

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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