Casualties unknown

1983-11-25: Piper PA-23 (N215EC) — Comfort, TX

Comfort, TX, US

On November 25, 1983, a Piper PA-23 (registration N215EC) was involved in an aviation accident near Comfort, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses reported the aircraft barely cleared trees and trailing smoke from the right engine before entering a right turn, stalling, and impacting a ridge in a steep dive. Post-impact fire prevented thorough examination of fuel, ignition, and induction systems.

Incident Description

Witnesses observed the aircraft as it barely cleared trees at the end of the airport. They also noted smoke trailing from the right engine. The aircraft subsequently entered a right turn, stalled, and impacted a ridge in a steep, nearly vertically banked dive.

Investigation

Teardowns of both engines and both propellers revealed no mechanical evidence of malfunction. However, a post-impact fire had prevented thorough examinations of the fuel, ignition, and induction systems. The fire damage limited the scope of the investigation into these critical systems.

Engine and Propeller Examination

Despite the lack of mechanical evidence from the teardowns, the post-impact fire compromised the ability to fully inspect the fuel, ignition, and induction systems. The investigation did not identify any specific cause due to the fire-related damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45057. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.