# NTSB NYC89LA163: Piper PA-11, N5014H, Walpole, ME, July 13, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 13, 1989, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Walpole, ME
- Location: 43.9559° N, 69.5587° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Walpole, ME, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.9559&lon=-69.5587&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 26, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36437
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36437/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA163

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE POWERLINE WHICH THE AIRPLANE CONTACTED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, descent - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - initiated, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ON A 1 MILE DECENT TO HIS HOME AIRPORT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND SHORTLY THERE AFTER STOPPED. THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE A 270 DEGREE TURN IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FIELD. WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON SHORT FINAL, THE LEFT LANDING GEAR CAUGHT A POWER LINE CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO FALL VERTICALLY ABOUT 20 FEET, IMPACTING THE GROUND.  AN ON-SCENE INSPECTION OF THE FUEL TANKS AND CARBURETOR SHOWED SUFFICIENT FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5014H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5014H), registered now, S/N 11-849, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-11
- Registry model: [Piper PA-11](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-11) (registry code 7101102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11-849
- Airframe hours: 6455
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-8F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bernard Paul Risley
- Registered owner: Gilbert & Genthner, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 20, 1989, 8 hours before
- Departed: WAYNE, ME
- Destination: WALPOLE, ME

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 630 total, 125 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 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 19890713024849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890713024849A), Jul 13, 1989: Piper PA11, Walpole, ME, Substantial damage. Engine faltered then quit after descent for landing. On landing struck powerline. No defects. Possible carb icing.

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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