On January 31, 1989, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N88RG) operated by Ricardt Investment was involved in an aviation accident near Sparks, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgement of the forced landing profile. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the right turbocharger and the pilot's improper handling of the landing gear system. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During night climbout, right engine power loss led to gear indication issues. Pilot overshot final, chose unlit parking lot; struck tree, power line, and parked vehicles. Both occupants seriously injured.
Incident Summary
During a nighttime climbout in visual meteorological conditions, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of right engine power. The pilot initially received clearance for one runway but could not obtain a safe gear indication. After executing a 180-degree turn to land on the opposite runway while attempting to resolve the gear indication, the pilot overshot the final approach during the turn from base to final, despite the landing gear being down and locked.
Sequence of Events
Faced with an overshoot, the pilot opted for an off-airport landing in an unlit parking lot. During the landing, the aircraft struck a tree and a power line before colliding with several parked unoccupied vehicles. An on-site inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the right turbocharger had failed. Both occupants sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's misjudgment of the forced landing profile. Contributing factors included the failure of the right turbocharger and the pilot's improper handling of the landing gear system.