Casualties unknown

1988-07-02: Piper PA-23 (N1021P) — Uscg — Friendly, MD

Friendly, MD, US

On July 2, 1988, a Piper PA-23 (registration N1021P) operated by Uscg was involved in an aviation accident near Friendly, MD. 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

Shortly after takeoff, the left engine lost power, recovered momentarily, then failed again. The pilot performed a gear-up forced landing in a field. No mechanical failure was found, but silicon rubber material was discovered in the left fuel tank.

Incident Summary

Shortly after takeoff at an altitude of 200 feet above ground level, the left engine experienced a power loss. According to the pilot, when the throttle was retarded to verify the engine failure, the engine seemed to 'come back to life'. The throttle was advanced, and once again a loss of power was experienced.

Pilot Actions

Unable to gain enough altitude to clear the surrounding terrain and return to the airport, the pilot elected to make a gear-up forced landing in a field. The airplane slid for 333 feet before coming to rest.

Post-accident Inspection

Inspection of the airplane, engine, and engine components failed to reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction. The only discrepancy found were several pieces of a silicon rubber type material inside the left main fuel tank near the fuel pick-up line screen.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26130. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.