# NTSB FTW85LA206: Piper PA-32-300, N4050W, El Paso, TX, April 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 29, 1985, 16:24 local (22:24 UTC)
- Place: El Paso, TX
- Coordinates: 31.799167, -106.360946 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.7992&lon=-106.3609&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21738
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA206
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21738/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA206

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES DURING A FORCED LANDING ON A GOLF COURSE. THE PLT'S COMPANY HAD JUST COMPLETED AN OVERHAUL ON THE ENG WHICH QUIT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF WHEN THE PLT TURNED OFF THE ELECTRIC BOOST PUMP. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG'S FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED A BURNED OUT FUSE IN THE FUEL BOOST PUMP. THE PLT SUSPECTED WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL AS THE ACFT WAS WASHED JUST PRIOR TO THIS FLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4050W (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-40069
- Airframe hours: 2100
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: John B. Clifton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: ELP, El Paso Intl

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,400 total, 3 in this make and model, 5,300 as pilot in command, 58 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ELP, 1 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 19850429014469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850429014469A), Apr 29, 1985: Piper PA32300, El Paso, TX, Substantial damage. Turned off boost pump during climb and engine quit. Struck trees during landing. Fuel boost pump fuse burned out.

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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