On February 3, 1999, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N5528J) operated by Tropical Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to an engine assembly overload for undetermined reasons. A related factor was the pilot exceeded the airplane's maximum allowable weight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After engine power loss during climb, a pilot turned back. The aircraft descended rapidly, impacting the runway with left wing and nose, caught fire, slid inverted, and came to rest. The pilot and passenger exited. Post-crash exam found broken cam followers and overweight condition.
Incident Overview
The pilot reported that the engine lost power while the aircraft was climbing after takeoff. In response, the pilot initiated a turn back to the departure airport. Witnesses observed the aircraft descending rapidly in a left turn before it impacted the runway with its left wing and nose area. The aircraft subsequently caught fire, slid down the runway inverted, and came to rest. Both the pilot and a passenger were able to exit the aircraft through the main door.
Post-Crash Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the engine revealed that 9 of the 12 cam followers were broken due to overstress. Investigators found no foreign objects within the engine and no other evidence of failure or malfunction in the engine system.
Weight and Balance Analysis
Weight and balance calculations determined that the aircraft was approximately 396 pounds over the maximum allowable takeoff weight at the time of the flight.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Feb 1999 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Orlando, FL?
After engine power loss during climb, a pilot turned back. The aircraft descended rapidly, impacting the runway with left wing and nose, caught fire, slid inverted, and came to rest. The pilot and passenger exited. Post-crash exam found broken cam followers and overweight condition.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Feb 1999 Piper PA-32-260 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Feb 1999 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N5528J, operated by Tropical Aircraft, at Orlando, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A loss of engine power due to an engine assembly overload for undetermined reasons. A related factor was the pilot exceeded the airplane's maximum allowable weight.