Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) crash, Mar 1, 1991 (1 killed)
Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) accident on March 1, 1991 near Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, United States with 1 fatality. Cause: The pilot flew the...
- Date: March 1, 1991
- Aircraft: Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600)
- Location: Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, United States
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: The pilot flew the aircraft with known deficiencies; improper engine overhaul by maintenance personnel caused oil loss and deteriorated engine performance, with unsuitable terrain as a factor.
A Piper Aerostar lost oil from its right engine soon after climbing, and the pilot feathered it and turned back. The remaining engine could not produce full power on the approach, and the aircraft descended uncontrolled through wooded terrain, where a fuel tank ruptured and it burned. The engines had been recently overhauled and this was their first flight. The sole occupant, the owner, was killed.