Date & Time:
Dec 29, 1985 at 1630 LT
Type of aircraft:
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
Operator:
W. D. Norton
Registration:
N27842
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Private
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Junction - Phoenix
MSN:
31-7912055
YOM:
1979
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
0
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
420
Aircraft flight hours:
1490
Circumstances:
During initial climb after takeoff the pilot noticed oil streaming out from the oil filler access door on the right engine cowling. He elected to continue climbing and make a teardrop turn back to the airport and land in the opposite direction from which he had departed. He announced his intentions on unicom radio. Another pilot responded that he was presently on the runway but would clear it as soon as possible. The subject pilot then decided to make a go around. During this time the right front seat passenger stated he observed flames in the right engine cowl. The pilot shut down the engine and feathered the propeller. He added full power to the left engine and retracted the landing gear and flaps. He was unable to maintain altitude and decided to make a forced landing straight ahead in an open field. He had to pull up once to avoid a power line and maneuver to avoid an antenna. He made a successful forced landing and all occupants exited. The flames quickly spread and the aircraft was consumed by ground fire.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) lubricating system - open
2. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (c) fluid, oil - loss, partial
4. (c) procedures/directives - improper - pilot in command
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Occurrence #2: fire
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (c) remedial action - not understood - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) lubricating system - open
2. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (c) fluid, oil - loss, partial
4. (c) procedures/directives - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: fire
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Findings
5. (c) remedial action - not understood - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
Final Report:
N27842.pdf89.61 KB