# NTSB NYC89LA154: Piper PA-28R-200, N5029S, Middletown, RI, July 1, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 1, 1989, 17:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Middletown, RI
- Location: 41.5457° N, 71.2914° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Middletown, RI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5457&lon=-71.2914&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36428
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA154
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36428/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA154

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF BOTH MAGNETOS SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. .

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, climb - to cruise
  - ignition system,magneto - inoperative (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - soft
  - terrain condition - wet

## Analysis

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND COMPLETED AN ENGINE RUN UP PRIOR TO TAKE OFF AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY MAGNETO DROP DURING THE CHECK. APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 MILES NORTHWEST OF THE AIRPORT, HE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER; HOWEVER, THE PROPELLER CONTINUED TO WINDMILL. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT FUEL WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL LINES, AND FUEL MANIFOLD. THE RIGHT MAGNETO HAD A CRACKED CASE AND THE LEFT MAGNETO HAD A PIECE OF THE INTERNAL COIL BROKEN OFF. THE AIRPLANE WAS FORCE LANDED IN A SWAMPY AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5029S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5029S), registered now, S/N 28R-35775, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R35775
- Airframe hours: 1020
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph R. Albrecht
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1989, 15 hours before
- Departed: NEWPORT, RI
- Destination: PROVIDENCE, RI
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 1,900 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19890701018989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890701018989A), Jul 1, 1989: Piper PA28R200, Middletown, RI, Substantial damage. No fuel available. Departed with minimum fuel for another airport. Ran out of fuel. Damaged on forced landing.

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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