# NTSB FTW96LA221: Piper PA-23-150, N299MD, Paradise, TX, May 20, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 20, 1996, 13:57 local (18:57 UTC) - Place: Paradise, TX - Coordinates: 33.079425, -97.700309 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0794&lon=-97.7003&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 16, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19845 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA221 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19845/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA221 ## Probable cause THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND HYDRAULIC PRESSURE FOR REASONS UNDETERMINED. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - propeller feathering - intentional, pilot in command - Loss of engine power, maneuvering - reason for occurrence undetermined - Wheels up landing, emergency landing - gear down and locked - not available, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor) - reason for occurrence undetermined ## Analysis The multiengine airplane was maneuvering at 4,500 MSL for single engine training when the flight instructor secured and feathered the left engine. After several attempts to restart, the left engine did not restart. Subsequently, the right engine began showing a power loss with a manifold pressure decrease. The pilot reported not being able to keep the landing gear retracted with the hydraulic system hand pump. Following a loss of flight altitude, a forced landing with the gear partially extended was performed to a field with a gravel pit. According to the operator's manual for the airplane, the hydraulic system used to extend the landing gear is driven by the left engine. The hand pump provides a means to extend the landing gear during a hydraulic system failure. The reason for the loss of right engine power and the lack of hydraulic system pressure was not determined. ## Factual narrative On May 20, 1996, at 1320 central daylight time, a Piper PA-23-150, N299MD, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Paradise, Texas. The airplane was registered to a private owner and operated by Pro Aircraft of Fort Worth, Texas, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight. The commercial pilot/flight instructor and a passenger were not injured. The private pilot/multiengine student received minor injuries. The flight originated from Hicks Airfield at 1245. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight and a flight plan was not filed. In his written statement to the NTSB, and during a telephone interview, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported the following information. The twin engine airplane was maneuvering at 4,500 MSL for single engine training. The flight instructor secured and feathered the left engine to demonstrate single engine flight procedures and performance. About 30 to 35 seconds after securing the engine, the flight instructor elected to restart the engine; however, after several attempts to restart, the left engine did not restart. The flight was near Bridgeport, Texas; however, with a headwind (winds from 240 degrees at 20 to 30 knots) toward Bridgeport the instructor made a decision to divert to Decatur, Texas. Subsequently, the right engine began showing a power loss with a manifold pressure decrease from 25 inches to 19 inches. The pilot reported that the landing gear began to "creep down" and the hydraulic hand pump was utilized; however, using the hand pump did not fully retract the gear and it continued to "creep" down. The pilot further reported that the altitude was 1,700 feet MSL when he realized that the flight would not make Bridgeport or Decatur. With the airplane approximately 300 feet AGL, a final approach was established for the forced landing to the field with a gravel pit. The pilot concentrated on maintaining control of the airplane and emergency extension of the gear was not performed; however, the landing gear was partially extended at the time of landing. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed structural damage to the engine mounts, wings, and landing gear. According to the airplane operator's manual, the hydraulic system used to extend the landing gear is driven by the left engine. With the gear selector in the "UP" or "DOWN" position, the hand pump is used to retract or extend the landing gear in the event of a hydraulic failure. The reason for the loss of the right engine power and the hydraulic pressure loss was not determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N299MD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N299MD-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 23-1061, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-23-150 - Registry model: [Piper PA-23-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23-150) (registry code 7102303) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 23-1061 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Pro Aircraft - Registered owner: John W. Wuotila - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: T67, FORT WORTH, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 24; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,280 total, 108 in this make and model, 1,200 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 20 knots, gusting 35 - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: AFW, 15 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 19960520010919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960520010919A), May 20, 1996: Piper PA23150, Paradise, TX, Substantial damage. Practice engine out. Unable restart. Unable sustain altitude. Landed in field. Had improper maiantenance. (-23) at approximately 1230 CDT on 05/20/96, the… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.