# NTSB NYC90LA027: Piper PA-28, N4948T, Coatesville, PA, November 11, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 11, 1989, 16:04 local (21:04 UTC)
- Place: Coatesville, PA
- Coordinates: 39.979015, -75.810668 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9790&lon=-75.8107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36583
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36583/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA027

## Probable cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

DURING A BUSINESS TRIP THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A DESERTED STREET IN COATESVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DURING THE LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4948T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4948T-2013-03-18), registration cancelled 2013-03-18, S/N 28-7225287, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7225287
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Barry C. Murphy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: SBY, SALISBURY, MD
- Destination: N99, WEST CHESTER, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 250 total, 174 in this make and model, 197 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 15 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19891111045139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891111045139A), Nov 11, 1989: Piper PA28140, Coatsville, PA, Substantial damage. Unable to locate destination airport. Ran out of fuel going to an alternate. Crash landed on a city street.

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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