# NTSB NYC86LA119: Piper PA-28-181, N2841M, Madison, CT, May 6, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 6, 1986, 14:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Madison, CT
- Location: 41.2795° N, 72.5984° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Madison, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2795&lon=-72.5984&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30332
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA119
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30332/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA119

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

THE ACFT EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF AND THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A RIVER. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION DID NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF THE POWER LOSS. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE ACFT WAS UNDER WATER FOR SEVERAL HOURS PRIOR TO EXAMINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2841M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2841M), registered now, S/N 28-7890273, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7890273
- Airframe hours: 3344
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-04M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Rives Potts
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 13, 1986
- Destination: FRG, FARMINGDALE, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 403 total, 88 in this make and model, 292 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F

## 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 19860506018759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860506018759A), May 6, 1986: Piper PA28181, Madison, CT, Substantial damage. The engine failed on takeoff and the aircraft ditched in a river. No cause for the engine failure was determined.

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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