On May 20, 1996, a Piper PA-32 (registration N9164B) operated by Roger C. Doerr was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VSO) while maneuvering during a go-around, resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. 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.
During an emergency landing for partial engine power loss, the airplane touched down fast and long, initiated a go-around, then entered a nose-high climbing right turn with low airspeed, stalled, and collided with trees and terrain. Investigation revealed incorrect installation of piston plugs on two cylinders.
Event Summary
The pilot performed an emergency landing at an airport after notifying air traffic control of a partial loss of engine power. Witnesses reported that the airplane touched down at an extremely high speed and overran the intended landing area before initiating a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane was observed in a nose-high attitude while climbing in a right turn. It exhibited a lack of airspeed, causing the nose to drop. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain in a nose-down attitude.
Engine Examination
Disassembly of the engine revealed that the piston plugs (pins) on the No. 3 and No. 5 cylinders were installed on the forward sides of both pistons. This installation allowed the unprotected ends of the pins to rub against the cylinder walls. The remaining cylinder assemblies were found to be correctly installed. A review of the engine logbook indicated that the engine had not been disassembled since its original assembly by the manufacturer.
What happened in the 20 May 1996 Piper PA-32 accident near Jacksonville, FL?
During an emergency landing for partial engine power loss, the airplane touched down fast and long, initiated a go-around, then entered a nose-high climbing right turn with low airspeed, stalled, and collided with trees and terrain. Investigation revealed incorrect installation of piston plugs on two cylinders.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 May 1996 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N9164B, operated by Roger C. Doerr, at Jacksonville, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VSO) while maneuvering during a go-around, resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to achieve the proper touchdown point during an emergency landing, his decision to make a…
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