# NTSB NYC92LA173: Piper PA-32-260, N3985W, Newburyport, MA, August 22, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1992, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Newburyport, MA
- Location: 42.8123° N, 70.8866° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Newburyport, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8123&lon=-70.8866&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37216
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA173
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37216/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA173

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CRUISING 200 FEET OFFSHORE AT ABOUT 75 FEET ABOVE THE OCEAN, WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER.  THE PILOT SAID HE UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE DITCHING IN THE OCEAN.  THE AIRPLANE SANK IN ABOUT 45 FEET OF WATER.  THE AIRPLANE HAD NOT FLOWN IN OVER 2 YEARS, AND THE PILOT HAD NOT HAD THE AIRPLANE INSPECTED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.  THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED ABOUT 5 YEARS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.  THE FAA EXAMIONATION OF THE ENGINE DID NOT DISLCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANCIAL MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3985W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3985W-2012-09-27), registration cancelled 2012-09-27, S/N 32-956, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-956
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Alfred L. Moseley
- Registered owner: Alfred L. Moseley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 13, 1987
- Departed: 7B3, HAMPTON, NH
- Destination: BV4, BEVERLY, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 73; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,030 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19920822032729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920822032729A), Aug 22, 1992: Piper PA32260, Newburyport, MA, Substantial damage. Cruising offshore 75 ft awl. Lost power. Ditched in ocean. PA32 idled 2YRS not inspected. Last annual 5YRS prior.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.