# NTSB FTW84LA113: Piper PA-32R-301T, N81753, Albuquerque, NM, January 11, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 11, 1984, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Albuquerque, NM
- Location: 35.0845° N, 106.6511° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Albuquerque, NM, within about 8 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0845&lon=-106.6511&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21245
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA113
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21245/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA113

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - exhaust system,clamp - improper (cause)
  - exhaust system,track - leak (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto - disconnected (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
  - vfr procedures - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING AFTER A TOTAL POWER LOSS. PRIOR TO THE TOTAL LOSS THERE HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY FOUR DROPS IN MANIFOLD PRESSURE. THE GEAR COLLAPSED ON LANDING, BENDING THE ENGINE MOUNTS & BOTH WING SPARS. THE SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT A 100 HR INSPECTION HAD BEEN COMPLETED 6 DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT AT WHICH TIME THE MECHANICAPPARENTLY FAILED TO ENSURE THAT THE LEFT CROSSOVER EXHAUST COLLECTION ELBOW TUBE WAS PROPERLY ALIGNED & THE CLAMP SECURED. BOTH MAGNETOS HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO LEAD FROM THE 'P' LEAD ENDS MELTING INTO THE CONDENSERS BECAUSE OF HEAT FROM EXHAUST GASES. THE PILOT HAD OPPORTUNITIES TO LAND AT AIRPORTS SHORT OF HIS DESTINATION BUT CHOSE TO CONTINUE FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N81753 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R8029070
- Airframe hours: 577
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Aero Flight, Inc.
- Registered owner: General Beverages, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 5, 1984, 77 hours before
- Departed: ELP, EL PASO, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,005 total, 158 in this make and model, 1,919 as pilot in command, 131 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABQ, 3 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 19840111025559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840111025559A), Jan 11, 1984: Piper PA32R301T, Albuquerque, NM, Substantial damage. Engine losing power then quit. Crash landed in desert 3 miles from airport. Broken exhaust stack melted mag p leads

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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