# NTSB NYC88LA076: Piper PA-38-112, N2352N, Williamstown, NJ, February 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 5, 1988, 10:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Williamstown, NJ
- Location: 39.6842° N, 74.9697° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Williamstown, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6842&lon=-74.9697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36091
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36091/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA076

## 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, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system - water (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED RUNWAY 27 AT CROSS KEYS AIRPORT AND UPON REACHING 250 FEET ALTITUDE, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND BEGAN VIBRATING. THE PILOT MANEUVERED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH IT. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN A YARD ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM THE AIRPORT. THE PLT HAD JUST PICKED UP THE AIRPLANE AFTER A 100-HOUR INSPECTION (WHICH INCLUDED A WASH) IN THE HOUR BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. HE HAD PURCHASED THE USED AIRPLANE ABOUT 1 WEEK EARLIER. EXAM OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT MOISTURE HAD PERMEATED THE IGNITION SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2352N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2352N-1991-03-13), registration cancelled 1991-03-13, S/N 3879A0800 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A0802
- Airframe hours: 1340
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wilshire Aviation
- Registered owner: Wilshire Aviation, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 4, 1987
- Departed: CROSS KEYS, NJ
- Airport: Cross Keys, runway 27

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 2,450 total, 1,670 in this make and model, 2,342 as pilot in command, 248 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °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 19880205001949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880205001949A), Feb 5, 1988: Piper PA38112, Williamstown, NJ, Destroyed. Pilot reported engine vibrated and failed. Crashed in residents back yard. Report says no mechanical or explanation

## Other investigations on N2352N (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 CHI86LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA213), Aug 24, 1986: Piper PA-38-112 (N2352N), Clintonville, WI, 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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