# NTSB FTW89LA111: Piper PA-22, N655A, Austin, TX, June 10, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 10, 1989, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Austin, TX
- Location: 30.2672° N, 97.7431° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Austin, TX, within about 10 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2672&lon=-97.7431&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22878
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22878/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA111

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE AIRCRAFT BRAKE SYSTEM. FACTORS INCLUDE HIGH TAIL WIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,normal brake system - failure,total (cause)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
- Overrun, landing - roll
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PILOT EXECUTED A DOWNWIND LANDING WITH APPROXIMATELY 20 KNOTS OF TAILWIND AND EXPERIENCED A TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE AIRCRAFT OVERRAN THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER AT THE DEPARTURE END.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N655A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N655A), registered now, S/N 22-58, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22) (registry code 7102202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-58
- Airframe hours: 4400
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Eisenberg, Frank
- Registered owner: Turpin, Ralph
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: AUS, AUSTIN, TX
- Airport: 6R4, Austin Bird'S Nest, runway 16, 2,715 × 25 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 110 total, 30 in this make and model, 80 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °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 19890610015139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890610015139A), Jun 10, 1989: Piper PA22, Austin, TX, Substantial damage. Landed in 20 kt tailwind. Brakes overheated and failed. Overran runway. Nosed over.

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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