# NTSB NYC86LA045: Piper PA-34, N4324D, Hazleton, PA, December 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 1, 1985, 15:20 local (20:20 UTC)
- Place: Hazleton, PA
- Coordinates: 40.949008, -75.970878 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9490&lon=-75.9709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30274
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30274/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA045

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, missed approach (ifr)
  - weather condition - fog
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Overrun, landing - roll
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

PIPER AIRCRAFT RAN OFF THE RUNWAY DURING LANDING AT HAZLETON PENNSYLVANIA. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE FIRST APPROACH WAS MISSED DUE TO BAD VISIBILITY. THE FLIGHT RETURNED TO THE INITIAL APRROACH FIX FOR A SECOND ATTEMPT. THE PILOT BROKE OUT OF THE CLOUDS AT ABOUT 700 FT, THE PILOT SET FULL FLAPS AND TOUCHED DOWN ABOUT MID WAY DOWN RUNWAY 28. THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO HYROPLANE ON THE WET SURFACE. ON APPLYING POWER FOR GO AROUND, THE RIGHT ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. THE PILOT REDUCED POWER TO ABORT. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED OFF THE RUNWAY BREAKING ONE RUNWAY LIGHT, GROUND LOOPED COLLAPSING RIGHT MAIN GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4324D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4324D), registered now, S/N 34-8433019, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-34
- Registry model: [Piper PA-34-220T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-34-220t) (registry code 7103420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34-8433019
- Airframe hours: 285
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kola
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 28, 1985
- Departed: LNS, LANCASTER, PA
- Destination: HZL, HAZLETON, PA
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: HZL, Hazleton, runway 28, 4,900 × 90 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 28,140 total, 55 in this make and model, 27,750 as pilot in command, 123 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 12 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft unknown
- Temperature: 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19851201058549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851201058549A), Dec 1, 1985: Piper PA34200T, Hazleton, PA, Substantial damage. Missed first approach. Went around second try hydroplaned. Tried go again right engine not respond. Ground looped.

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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