# NTSB SEA96LA164: Piper PA-46-350P, N58VJ, Hillsboro, OR, July 8, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1996, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Hillsboro, OR
- Coordinates: 45.579055, -122.909996 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5791&lon=-122.9100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 20, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42426
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42426/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA164

## Probable cause

blockage of the vents to both wing fuel tanks, after unknown personnel failed to remove tape (protective covering) from the vents, which resulted in collapsed fuel tanks (and wing damage).

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, unknown
  - fuel system,vent - blocked(total) (cause)
  - aircraft protective covering - not removed, unknown (cause)

## Analysis

After landing at Hillsboro, OR, the aircraft wings were both observed to be wrinkled and collapsed in the fuel tank areas. Investigation revealed that both wing fuel vents had been covered with electrical tape; however, the source of the electrical tape was not determined.

## Factual narrative

On July 8, 1996, approximately 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P, N58VJ, operated by DMH Inc., was observed to have damage to both wings while on the ramp at the Hillsboro airport, Hillsboro, OR.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The private pilot and four passengers were not injured.  The 14 CFR 91 personal flight had departed Sun River, OR earlier in the day for Hillsboro.

During landing at Hillsboro, the pilot heard a "popping" sound.  After taxiing to the ramp, line service personnel noticed the wings of the aircraft were wrinkled and collapsed in the fuel tank area.  Black electrical tape was later discovered over both wing fuel vents.

Determination of substantial damage was not made until 7/25/96, when it was determined that the outer sections of both wings would need to be replaced.  The time of the actual wing collapse and the source of the tape was not determined.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N58VJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N58VJ-2018-05-22), registration cancelled 2018-05-22, S/N 4622144, built 1993 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-46-350P
- Registry model: [Piper PA 46-350P](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-46-350p) (registry code 7104620) (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: 4622144
- Airframe hours: 786
- Engines: Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dmh Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1996, 6 hours before
- Departed: S21, SUNRIVER, OR
- Destination: HIO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,850 total, 780 in this make and model, 1,733 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19960708019829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960708019829A), Jul 8, 1996: Piper PA46350P, Hillsboro, OR, Substantial damage. Popping sound landing. After parking noticed wings wrinkled fuel tank area. Tank vents taped over. Unable source.

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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