Casualties unknown

1994-08-16: Cessna 320C (N85WM) — Waynesboro, PA

Waynesboro, PA, US

On August 16, 1994, a Cessna 320C (registration N85WM) was involved in an aviation accident near Waynesboro, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin and his lack of qualification to conduct flight in type aircraft. A factor is the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. 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

An aircraft experienced a right engine power loss while cruising at 6,000 feet, leading to an erratic flight pattern and a vertical descent into a residence.

What happened

The aircraft was cruising at 6,000 feet when the pilot reported that the right engine had lost power. Air traffic control vectored the pilot toward an airport to perform an ILS approach. At the time, weather conditions consisted of light rain, light winds, 1,500 feet broken clouds, and 2,000 feet overcast with 1.5 miles visibility.

While executing vectors, the pilot indicated that although the engine had been restarted, it was not running well. The pilot also reported an inability to tune in the ILS, though an FAA facility check rated the ILS as satisfactory. During the descent, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated between 2,600 and 3,900 feet, and the pilot never intercepted the ILS.

Witnesses observed the aircraft flying erratically in and out of the clouds, noting that it was circling, turning, and climbing at a steep angle before performing a nearly vertical descent into a house. There were no fatalities reported among the occupants.

The investigation

The engines sustained severe damage during the impact. However, an examination of the engines revealed no discrepancies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02118. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.