On May 16, 1987, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7937Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Raleigh, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain a proper descent rate on the approach for landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot failed to maintain a proper descent rate on approach. He reported the right engine failed to respond when he added power, then applied full power but the engine still failed to respond. He cut power, lost directional control, and ran off the right side of the runway. Examination found no evidence of engine malfunction.
Incident Summary
During the approach for landing, the pilot did not maintain a proper descent rate. When he added power to arrest the rate of descent, the pilot reported that the right engine failed to respond. He then applied full power for either a go-around or to land further down the runway. The right engine still failed to respond. The pilot then cut all power. Subsequently, directional control was lost and the aircraft ran off the right side of the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the right engine failed to respond when he added power. After applying full power, the engine continued to not respond. He then reduced all power.
Engine Examination
An examination of the right engine revealed no evidence of in-flight failure or malfunction.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate on the approach for landing.