# NTSB NYC91FA144: Piper PA-28-181, N2876Z, East Haddam, CT, June 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 9, 1991, 19:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: East Haddam, CT
- Location: 41.4532° N, 72.4612° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of East Haddam, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4532&lon=-72.4612&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36795
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91FA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36795/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91FA144

## Probable cause

THE NON-MECHANICAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO USE THE AUXILIARY FUEL BOOST PUMP DURING TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,electric boost pump - switched off (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

AS N2867Z LIFTED OFF DURING TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER. WITNESSES HEARD THE ENGINE RUNNING INTERMITTENTLY AND ROUGHLY.  IT DISAPPEARED BEHIND TREES AND WAS FOUND IN 10 FEET OF WATER IN A POND OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY.  THE AIRPLANE DOOR WAS DAMAGED DURING COLLISION WITH THE WATER, PREVENTING THE OCCUPANTS FROM ESCAPING.  THE AIRPLANE WAS RECOVERED, AND AFTER DRYING OUT, THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY. THE FUEL SYSTEM ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND IN THE OFF POSITION.  THE PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK REQUIRES THAT THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP BE ON DURING TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2876Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2876Z-2012-09-24), registration cancelled 2012-09-24, S/N 28-7990516, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-790516
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dietrich J. Ginzel
- Registered owner: Dietrich J. Ginzel
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: CDW, CALDWELL, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,007 total, 900 in this make and model, 950 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Observed at: HNV, 22 nm away

## 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 19910609020739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910609020739A), Jun 9, 1991: Piper PA28181, East Haddam, CT, Substantial damage, 3 fatal. Engine missing on climbout. Descended below trees. Found in pond. Electric fuel pump off, on takeoff should be on.

## Other investigations on N2876Z (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC81FHD17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC81FHD17), Mar 27, 1981: Piper PA-28 (N2876Z), Bristol, PA, substantial damage

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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