# NTSB NYC88LA017: Piper J-4, N28205, St. Paul, PA, October 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1987, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: St. Paul, PA
- Location: 39.7756° N, 79.1061° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Saint Paul, PA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7756&lon=-79.1061&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36042
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36042/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA017

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise
  - induction air control,intake manifold - cracked (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT WAS ENROUTE FROM MOUNT PLEASANT TO WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA ON A HEADING OF 140 DEGREES AND AT 4500 FEET. ABOUT 25-30 MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT, ENGINE POWER LOSS WAS EXPERIENCED. THE PILOT SWITCHED FROM THE AUXILLIARY TO THE MAIN FUEL TANK AND APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED OVER SOME TREES THEN DROPPED TO THE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DISCLOSED A CRACKED INDUCTION MANIFOLD, CAUSING A LEAN MIXTURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28205](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N28205), registered now, S/N 4-1132, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-4
- Registry model: [Piper J4F](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j4f) (registry code 7100614) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4-1132
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Glenn Charles
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1987
- Departed: G07, MT. PLEASANT, PA
- Destination: W16, WINCHESTER, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,080 total, 1,080 in this make and model, 1,050 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 19871025060459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871025060459A), Oct 25, 1987: Piper J4F, St Paul, PA, Substantial damage. Engine failed. Overshot large field. Stalled hit a fence. Fouled plugs,cracked exhaust,worn valves contributed.

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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