# NTSB NYC86LA206: Piper PA-28-140, N5803U, Sussex, NJ, August 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1986, 12:40 local (16:40 UTC)
- Place: Sussex, NJ
- Location: 41.2088° N, 74.6082° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sussex, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2088&lon=-74.6082&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30402
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA206
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30402/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA206

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - door,exterior crew - unlocked (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - proper descent rate - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - residence
  - object - wire,static
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PIPER PA-28-140 HAD JUST TAKEN OFF WHEN THE MAIN CABIN DOOR UNLOCKED AT THE TOP. THE PILOT RETURNED FOR A LANDING, HAD TO GO-AROUND DUE TO TRAFFIC, AND WAS ON FINAL FOR HIS SECOND APPROACH, WITH THE TOP OF THE MAIN CABIN DOOR STILL UNLOCKED. WHEN, PASSING A HILL THE AIRCRAFT STARTED TO SINK AND FULL POWER WOULD NOT STOP THE DESCENT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TELEPHONE LINES AND A POLE SHEARING OFF THE RIGHT WING PRIOR TO HITTING THE GROUND. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES WHILE THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE AIRCRAFT PROPELLER TIPS WERE BENT FORWARD AND THE LEADING EDGE OF THE PROPELLER HAD SEVERE LEADING EDGE DAMAGE AND CHORDWISE SCRAPES. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED AND NO DEFECTS OR MALFUNCTION COULD BE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5803U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5803U-2017-07-20), registration cancelled 2017-07-20, S/N 28-26630, built 1969 (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: 28-26630
- Airframe hours: 8239
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sussex Airport, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 3, 1986, 39 hours before
- Airport: N63, Sussex, runway 21, 3,510 × 75 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 202 total, 17 in this make and model, 131 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19860811038649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860811038649A), Aug 11, 1986: Piper PA28140, Sussex, NJ, Substantial damage. Upper cabin door unlocked on climbout returned. Went around due traffic. Downdraft. Hit wires. Sheared off a wing.

## Other investigations on N5803U (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC72DHD28](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC72DHD28), Jan 7, 1972: Piper PA-28 (N5803U), Berlin, NJ, substantial damage

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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