# NTSB MIA83FA046: Piper PA-601P, N90692, Valparaiso, FL, December 9, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 8, 1982, 22:30 local (Dec 9, 1982, 04:30 UTC)
- Place: Valparaiso, FL
- Coordinates: 30.489273, -86.499588 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4893&lon=-86.4996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 8, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72911
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83FA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72911/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83FA046

## Sequence of events

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

- Fire, takeoff - initial climb
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - engine assembly - failure,total (cause)
  - engine assembly - fire (cause)
  - engine assembly - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - wing,spar - fire (cause)
  - wing,spar - failure,total (cause)
  - wing - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)

## Analysis

TWO MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF THE PLT REPORTED A LOSS OF THE LEFT ENG. HE WAS IMMEDIATELY CLEARED FOR A LANDING AT EGLIN AFB. WHILE MANEUVERING FOR A LANDING THE LEFT ENG & WING SEPARATED FROM THE ACFT. THE ENG WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WING & SHOWED EVIDENCE OF IN FLIGHT FIRE. THE MOST INTENSE HEAT WAS IN THE ENG ACCESSORY SECTION IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE BENDIX FUEL SERVO & THE INBOARD TURBOCHARGER. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE OIL & FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ACCESSORY SECTION, THE OIL DIPSTICK SHOWED NO OIL & THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT THE OIL HAD SPILLED IN THE IMPACT CRATER. ABOUT 25 MIN PRIOR TO TAKEOFF THE PLT TELEPHONED THE MAINT. FACILITY WHO HAD ACCOMPLISHED RECENT MAJOR REPAIRS ON THE ACFT & RELATED HE WAS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY WITH THE LEFT THROTTLE. THE PLT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90692](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N90692-2013-05-17), registration cancelled 2013-05-17, S/N 61P-0335-097, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-601P
- Registry model: [Smith AEROSTAR 601P](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-aerostar-601p) (registry code 8360608) (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: 61P-0335-097
- Airframe hours: 1035
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-S1A5 290 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: Both
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Henry D. Beck
- Registered owner: Graham W. Wood
- Departed: C, DESTIN, FL
- Destination: C, HUNTSVILLE, AL
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: Eglin, Afb, runway 12, 12,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 959 total, 200 in this make and model, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 30° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 138 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VPS

## 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 19821208062769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821208062769A), Dec 8, 1982: Piper PA60601P, Valparaiso, FL, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Left engine out. Fire in engine area caused left wing and engine to separate from aircraft. Turbo oil line broke.

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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