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Casualties unknown

Postmaintenance Flight Ends in Accident (N5464Y)

Baptistown, NJ, US

On August 29, 1997, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5464Y) operated by William Slack was involved in an aviation accident near Baptistown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reason(s), while operating it at low altitude. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a postmaintenance evaluation flight, an airplane at low altitude with high engine power rolled right and descended into a wooded area, resulting in fragmentation. No mechanical or flight control issues were found.

Accident Overview

An airplane conducting a postmaintenance evaluation flight with two recently overhauled engines and propellers was observed by witnesses at a low altitude with engines operating at high power. One witness, a pilot, reported that the airplane's speed was 'fast and not near a stall or Vmc.' The airplane was then observed to roll to the right and descend into a wooded area.

Damage and Site Examination

The fuselage and wings were fragmented upon impact. At the accident site, investigators found cut wood and impact marks corresponding to both engines. A thorough check of the airplane failed to reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction. A review of the airplane's logbooks indicated no recent maintenance to the flight control system.

Pilot Information

A check with the pilot's doctors revealed no outstanding medical problems that could have affected the flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08717. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.