# NTSB NYC91LA079: Piper PA-28-161, N2960B, Philadelphia, PA, March 2, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 2, 1991, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Philadelphia, PA
- Coordinates: 40.070728, -75.000602 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0707&lon=-75.0006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 22, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36882
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA079
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36882/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA079

## Probable cause

DUE TO FAILURE OF THE INDUCTION AIR CONTROL/AIR FILTER/SCREEN, WHICH BLOCKED AIRFLOW THROUGH THE CARBURETOR THROAT.

## 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
  - induction air control,air filter/screen - failure,partial (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - blocked(total) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE AT ABOUT 300 TO 400 FEET AGL, THE AIRPLANE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING.  THE AIRPLANE CRASHED ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AND BURNED.  AN INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A SPONGE-LIKE MATERIAL LODGED BENEATH AND IN THE SECONDARY VENTURI OF THE CARBURETOR.  THE PRIMARY VENTURI OF THE CARBURETOR WAS MISSING.  THE BRACKET AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY WAS NOT FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2960B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2960B-2012-08-07), registration cancelled 2012-08-07, S/N 28-7916589, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2906B
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-DG3 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Northeast Aviation
- Registered owner: Northeast Aviation
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: PNE, PHILADELPHIA, PA
- Airport: PNE, Northeast Philadelphia, runway 24, 7,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,492 total, 527 in this make and model, 1,373 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 19910302003819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910302003819A), Mar 2, 1991: Piper PA28161, Philadelphia, PA, Destroyed. Engine quit on climbout. Tried to return but crashed on building roof. Air filter parts blocked carburetor air.

## Other investigations on N2960B (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 NYC85LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA212), Aug 6, 1985: Piper PA-28-161 (N2960B), Doylestown, 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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