Casualties unknown

1988-06-02: Piper PA-60 (N90DR) — Latrobe, PA

Latrobe, PA, US

On June 2, 1988, a Piper PA-60 (registration N90DR) was involved in an aviation accident near Latrobe, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ACCIDENT WAS PILOT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING. 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

During a go-around, a pilot reported lack of engine response and mushy controls. The aircraft landed diagonally off the runway heading and sustained damage. No cause for the engine issue was found.

Approach and Go-Around

The pilot stated that during an approach to land, the aircraft was too high on final approach. He therefore decided to execute a go-around and make another approach. Tower approval was received for a low approach. However, when he attempted to apply power for the go-around, there was a lack of engine response. The pilot described the controls as feeling mushy and became concerned about approaching a stall, but he checked the airspeed and saw it was adequate at 110 knots. He retracted the flaps, but the aircraft continued to descend.

Landing

Subsequently, the pilot landed diagonally on the airport, approximately 30 degrees off the runway heading, and the aircraft was damaged.

Post-Accident Findings

The pilot reported that the aircraft had just received an annual inspection and that the fuel tanks had been totally filled before the flight. He also noted that during the flight, he had crossfed fuel from the right to left tank. However, no reason was found for the lack of engine response and the aircraft's performance issues.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26059. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.