# NTSB MIA89FA096: Douglas DC-3, N28PR, Isla Verde, PR, March 1, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1989, 16:14 local (20:14 UTC)
- Place: Isla Verde, PR
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32276
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89FA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32276/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA096

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE FLIGHT CREW TO FEATHER THE LEFT PROPELLER AND TRIM THE AIRCRAFT AFTER THE LEFT ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - 1 engine
  - powerplant - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - propeller feathering - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance - deteriorated
  - trim setting - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE CREW OF AN ALL CARGO FLIGHT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE LEFT ENGINE WHILE IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AT THEIR DESTINATION. THEY RAISED THE LANDING GEAR BUT FAILED TO FEATHER THE LEFT PROPELLER AND FAILED TO TRIM THE AIRCRAFT. THE RESULTING SKID AND INCREASED DRAG MADE FURTHER FLIGHT IMPOSSIBLE. THE CREW ELECTED TO DITCH THE AIRCRAFT IN A LAGOON ABOUT 2 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE AIRPORT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT RECOVERED FROM THE LAGOON AND THEREFORE IT WAS NOT DETERMINED WHY THE LEFT ENGINE LOST POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28PR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N28PR-2013-06-11), registration cancelled 2013-06-11, S/N 6323, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS DC-3
- Registry model: [Douglas DC3](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-dc3) (registry code 3021401) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright C9HD series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-c9hd-series) (registry code 67028, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6323
- Airframe hours: 36115
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1820-G202 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Borinquen Air, doing business as Diaz Aviation Corp
- Registered owner: Del Caribbean Corp
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, February 14, 1989, 3 hours before
- Departed: SKPK, ST. KITTS, CB
- Destination: SJU, SAN JUAN, PR
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: SJU, Luis Munozmarin

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 24,067 total, 6,467 in this make and model, 87 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJU, 2 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 19890301007799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890301007799A), Mar 1, 1989: Doug DC3, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Substantial damage. Report says, lost engine turning final. Airplane in a skid. Unable to recover, ditched. Prop feathered.

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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