Piper PA-31 N88RG

Summary

On 1 February 1989 at about 05:59 local time, a Piper PA-31 registered N88RG was involved in an accident near Sparks, Nevada, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 February 1989 at 05:59

Classification

Accident

Location

Sparks, Nevada, United States

Coordinates

39.5403, -119.7495

Aircraft

Piper PA-31

Registration

N88RG

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Reno → Long Beach

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

SEA89LA045

2 people were seriously injured.

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.