Casualties unknown

1989-02-01: Piper PA-31 (N88RG) — Sparks, NV

Sparks, NV, US

On February 1, 1989, a Piper PA-31 (registration N88RG) was involved in an aviation accident near Sparks, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A failed right turbocharger. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During night climbout, the aircraft lost right engine power. After gear indication issues and an overshoot, the pilot chose an unlit parking lot for landing, striking a tree, power line, and parked vehicles.

Incident Overview

During the climbout in night visual meteorological conditions, the aircraft experienced a loss of right engine power. The pilot had initially been cleared for one runway but was unable to obtain a safe gear indication. Consequently, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn to land on the opposite runway while attempting to resolve the gear indication issue.

Approach and Landing

While turning from base to final, with the landing gear down and locked, the pilot overshot final approach. Faced with the overshoot, the pilot then selected an unlit parking lot for an off-airport landing. During the landing, the aircraft struck a tree and a power line. It also collided with several parked unoccupied vehicles.

Post-Inspection Findings

An on-site inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the right turbocharger had failed.

Probable Cause

The probable cause identified was a failed right turbocharger.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27674. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.