# NTSB NYC88LA096: Piper PA-24-250, N5435P, Plymouth, MA, February 28, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 28, 1988, 15:35 local (20:35 UTC)
- Place: Plymouth, MA
- Location: 41.9583° N, 70.6638° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Plymouth, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9583&lon=-70.6638&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36108
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36108/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA096

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE PA-24 SAID EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL UNTIL HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS AND TURNED ON THE BOOST PUMP. HE SAID A POWER LOSS FOLLOWED. HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE ENGINE RESTARTED PRIOR TO MAKING AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING. A WITNESS IN THE AIRCRAFT SAID THE LEFT FUEL GAGE SHOWED EMPTY AND THE RIGHT SHOWED 15 GALLONS. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT SHOWED NO FUEL IN THE LEFT TANK AND APPROXIMATELY 16 GALLONS IN THE RIGHT TANK. NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, TANK SELECTOR VALVE OR ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5435P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5435P-2004-08-10), registration cancelled 2004-08-10, S/N 24-489, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-489
- Airframe hours: 1675
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1A5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: G. Audet  & Sons, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 25, 1987, 87 hours before
- Departed: 6BO, MIDDLEBURY, VT
- Airport: PYM, Plymouth Municipal, runway 6, 3,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 403 total, 403 in this make and model, 403 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19880228003819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880228003819A), Feb 28, 1988: Piper PA24250, Plymouth, MA, Destroyed. Engine quit on final when fuel tank selected ran dry. Crashed in trees. Other full tank contained 16 gallons.

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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