# NTSB NYC86LA225: Piper PA-22-150, N3841P, Dennis Port, MA, August 31, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1986, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Dennis Port, MA
- Location: 41.6681° N, 70.1370° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Dennis Port, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6681&lon=-70.1370&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30415
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA225
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30415/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA225

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE WAS FLYING AT AN ALT OF 800 FT ALONG THE COASTLINE DURING AN AERIAL ADVERTISING FLT AND WAS SWITCHING FROM THE RIGHT FUEL TANK TO THE LEFT WHEN THE ENG LOST POWER. THE ACFT WAS THEN DITCHED IN 14 FOOT DEEP WATER. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS FULL OF FUEL AND THE RIGHT WAS EMPTY. THE FUEL TANK FILLER CAPS WERE ALSO CHECKED FOR LEAKAGE AND NONE WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3841P (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 223531
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Ndc,Inc.
- Registered owner: Ndc Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: BEVERLY, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,299 total, 1,635 in this make and model, 1,926 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °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 19860831043399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860831043399A), Aug 31, 1986: Piper PA22150, Dennis Port, MA, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the banner tow plane ditched. Pilot reported hitting something. Selected nearly empty tank.

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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