# NTSB NYC90LA205: Piper PA-28-235, N15590, Reading, PA, August 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1990, 15:19 local (19:19 UTC)
- Place: Reading, PA
- Location: 40.3392° N, 75.9263° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Reading, PA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3392&lon=-75.9263&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36727
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA205
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36727/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA205

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNKNOWN REASONS AND AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - powerplant - undetermined
  - emergency procedure - initiated, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - roll
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. HE ATTEMPTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING AFTER TRYING TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN WITH THE LEFT WING TIP FIRST FOLLOWED BY THE MAIN GEAR AND NOSE WHEEL. THE AIRPLANE SKIDDED FOR 400 TO 500 FEET AND SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL BEFORE IMPACTING SMALL TREES AND BRUSH. THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15590](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15590-2012-09-11), registration cancelled 2012-09-11, S/N 28-7310058, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287310058
- Airframe hours: 2720
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: John C. Iglar
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1990, 10 hours before
- Airport: RDG, Reading Regional, runway 13, 6,350 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; flight instructor, commercial; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: right

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 61 °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 19900830037489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900830037489A), Aug 30, 1990: Piper PA28235, Reading, PA, Substantial damage. Reported power loss. Emergency landing. Left wing hit main gear and nose. Skidded down hill into brush and trees.

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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