# NTSB MIA92LA038: Piper PA-20, N7304K, Hilliard, FL, November 23, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 23, 1991, 11:50 local (16:50 UTC)
- Place: Hilliard, FL
- Coordinates: 30.689474, -81.919654 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.6895&lon=-81.9197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33037
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33037/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA038

## Probable cause

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FORCED LANDING.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOW CEILING ENCOUNTERED AND REDUCED IN-FLIGHT PLANNING DECISION TIME BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight encounter with weather, descent - emergency
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - in-flight planning/decision - reduced, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command

## Analysis

WHILE VFR ON TOP THE PLT STATED THAT THE ENG EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. AFTER BREAKING OUT OF THE CLOUDS THE PLT OBSERVED A FIELD & PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING.  AFTER TOUCHDOWN HE INTENTIONALLY GROUND LOOPED THE ACFT TO AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS AHEAD.  THE ACFT WAS EXAMINED 2 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT BY AN FAA INSPECTOR. THE ACFT WAS SECURED & THE ENG WAS STARTED & FOUND TO OPERATE NORMALLY. NO DETERMINATION COULD BE MADE AS TO THE REASON FOR THE LOSS OF POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7304K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7304K-2012-06-05), registration cancelled 2012-06-05, S/N 20-213, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (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: 20-213
- Airframe hours: 3855
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Slovenz, Joseph N.
- Registered owner: Slovenz, Joseph N.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 11, 1991, 6 hours before
- Departed: 5A9, WARM SPRINGS, GA
- Destination: X47, BUNNELL, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,400 total, 15 in this make and model, 2,100 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JAX, 32 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 19911123053459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911123053459A), Nov 23, 1991: Piper PA20, Hilliard, FL, Substantial damage. Engine quit VFR on top. Descended through clouds. Broke out,landed in field. Ground looped. Carb icing conditions.

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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