# NTSB SEA88LA042: Piper PA-32-300, N4290R, Twin Falls, ID, January 29, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 29, 1988, 12:23 local (19:23 UTC)
- Place: Twin Falls, ID
- Coordinates: 42.410419, -114.58937 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4104&lon=-114.5894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40775
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40775/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA042

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - throttle/power lever,bellcrank - separation (cause)
- Undershoot, landing - roll
  - emergency procedure - performed (cause)
  - planned approach - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - approach light/navaid (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHEN THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO REDUCE POWER TO DESCEND TO LAND HE WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN A POWER REDUCTION DUE TO THE THROTTLE ROD END SEPARATING IN FLIGHT. THE PILOT MADE A SPIRALLING DESCENT AND THEN SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE. THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE REMAINING TO THE RUNWAY AND LANDED 600 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY STRIKING RUNWAY THRESHOLD LIGHTS DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4290R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4290R), registered now, S/N 32-40666, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3240666
- Airframe hours: 2966
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leonard Faustina
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1987, 221 hours before
- Departed: LWL, WELLS, NV
- Destination: TWF, TWIN FALLS, ID
- Airport: TWF, Twin Falls, runway 25, 8,703 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 581 total, 349 in this make and model, 581 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TWF

## 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 19880129001619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880129001619A), Jan 29, 1988: Piper PA32300, Twin Falls, ID, Substantial damage. Throttle became disconnected at curise power. Shut down engine too soon and hit approach lights landing short.

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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