# NTSB NYC85FHJ01: Piper PA-28-140, N32473, Hastings, NY, November 23, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: November 23, 1984, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Hastings, NY
- Coordinates: 40.979858, -73.869964 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9799&lon=-73.8700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35605
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85FHJ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35605/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FHJ01

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - engine instrument - misread, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

PLT WAS OCCUPYING RT FRONT SEAT, PAX IN LEFT. PLT STATED HE NOTED ENG OIL PRESS GAGE READING LOW AND, RECALLING PRIOR EMERG LNDG ON GOLF COURSE DUE OIL STARVATION, ELECTED PRECAUTIONARY LNDG ON GOLF COURSE. ACFT OVERSHOT INTENDED APPROACH. PLT INITIATED GO-AROUND BUT COLLIDED WITH TREES (185 FT HEIGHT). INVESTIGATION REVEALED GOLF FAIRWAYS SITUATED IN NARROW RAVINE SURROUNDED BY HIGH TERRAIN ALMOST INPOSSIBLE AS A LNDG SITE.' INSPECTION OF ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE MECHANICAL OR THERMAL DISTRESS INDICATIVE OF OIL LOSS. SMALL OIL SPOT FOUND WHERE ACFT FIRST STRUCK GROUND (#4 CYL ROCKER BOX OIL RETURN LINE SEPARATED AT CASE END). NO ABNORMALITIES FOUND IN POWER PLANT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32473](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32473-2014-09-29), registration cancelled 2014-09-29, S/N 28-7525071, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7525071
- Airframe hours: 34293
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Mac Dan Aviation
- Registered owner: Michael J. Loeser
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 15, 1984, 433 hours before
- Departed: CDW, FAIRFIELD, NJ
- Destination: CDW, FAIRFIELD, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,300 total, 2,275 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 8 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft unknown
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ISP, 35 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 19841123067389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841123067389A), Nov 23, 1984: Piper PA28140, Greenburgh, NY, Substantial damage. Oil pressure low, precautionary landing. Attempted go around, hit trees. Rocker box oil return line disconnected.

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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