# NTSB SEA89LA045: Piper PA-31, N88RG, Sparks, NV, February 1, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 31, 1989, 21:59 local (Feb 1, 1989, 05:59 UTC)
- Place: Sparks, NV
- Coordinates: 39.540298, -119.749473 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5403&lon=-119.7495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40977
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40977/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA045

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE FORCED LANDING PROFILE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE RIGHT TURBOCHARGER AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE LANDING GEAR SYSTEM.

## Analysis

DURING THE CLIMBOUT, IN NIGHT VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, THE AIRCRAFT LOST RIGHT ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT WAS INITIALLY CLEARED FOR ONE RUNWAY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET A SAFE GEAR INDICATION. THE PILOT MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN TO LAND ON THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET A SAFE GEAR INDICATION. ON TURN FROM BASE TO FINAL, WITH THE GEAR DOWN AND LOCKED, THE PILOT OVERSHOT FINAL APPROACH. THE PILOT THEN CHOSE AN UNLIT PARKING LOT TO MAKE AN OFF-AIRPORT LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE AND A POWER LINE. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK SEVERAL PARKED UNOCCUPIED VEHICLES DURING THE LANDING. THE FAA REPORTED THAT AN ON-SITE INSPECTION REVEALED A FAILED RIGHT TURBOCHARGER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, climb
  - 1 engine
  - exhaust system,turbocharger - failure,total (contributing factor)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - landing gear,normal retraction/extension assembly - improper (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - vehicle

## Aircraft

- Registration: N88RG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-667
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-A2C 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ricardt Investment, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: RNO, RENO, NV
- Destination: LGB, LONG BEACH, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,200 total, 200 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 14,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNO, 2 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 19890131001619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890131001619A), Jan 31, 1989: Piper PA31310, Reno, NV, Destroyed. Turbocharger failed right engine on climbout. Returning gear problem. Feathered right prop. Got below VMC. Crashed.

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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