# NTSB NYC90LA162: Piper PA-23-150, N3EF, Radnow Township, PA, July 16, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1990, 15:06 local (19:06 UTC)
- Place: Radnow Township, PA
- Coordinates: 40.05986, -75.400619 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0599&lon=-75.4006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36691
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA162
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36691/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA162

## Probable cause

WIRE STRIKE DURING AN OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE A POWER LOSS, CAUSED BY AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, climb
  - 1 engine
  - lubricating system - leak (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
  - propeller feathering - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS RETURNING TO HIS HOME AIRPORT FLYING VFR A 1500 FEET MSL. AFTER STARTING A SLOW CLIMB TO 3000 FEET THE PILOT NOTICED THE PROPELER RPM HAD DROPPED ON THE RIGHT ENGINE AND HIS PASSENGER TOLD HIM THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE PILOT SHUT DOWN & FEATHERED THE RIGHT ENGINE. HE COULD NOT MAINTAIN ALTITUDE OR AIRSPEED ON THE LEFT ENGINE, SO HE ELECTED TO MAKE AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING ON A CLOSED HIGHWAY. WHILE ON APPROACH, THE LEFT PROPELLER STRUCK A POWERLINE. THE PILOT COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE BEFORE IT IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE ENGINE TEARDOWN SHOWED NO DISCREPANCIES. THE POST IMPACT FIRE CAUSED TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO THE OIL LINES & ENGINES EXTERIOR TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN OF THE OIL LEAK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3EF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3EF-2013-01-30), registration cancelled 2013-01-30, S/N 23-938, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23) (registry code 7102302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23-938
- Airframe hours: 4400
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arthur N. Devries
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 16, 1990
- Departed: GED, SUSSEX CO., DE
- Destination: 1N9, ALLENTOWN, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 400 total, 150 in this make and model, 35 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19900716026319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900716026319A), Jul 16, 1990: Piper PA23, Radnor Township, PA, Destroyed. Oil leak in right engine. Secured same but unable maintain altitude. Landing on closed hiway section struck wires.

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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