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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 4, 1994 · Piper PA-28-161 · N1877Q

Taunton, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 4, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Taunton, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N1877Q
Operator
King Services of Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA037

DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB, ABOUT 300 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE STUDENT PILOT, ON A SOLO FLIGHT, STATED THAT THE TACHOMETER INDICATED ZERO, AND HE TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HE STATED THAT HE TRIED TO LAND ON A NARROW STREET BUT THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TRANSMISSION WIRE AND SPUN AROUND 170 DEGREES, OPPOSITE THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, BEFORE IT FELL TO THE GROUND. AN FAA SAFETY INSPECTOR REPORTED THAT HE AUTHORIZED THE REMOVAL OF THE AIRPLANE FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION. HOWEVER, THE OWNER, WITHOUT THE FAA BEING PRESENT TO SUPERVISE THE ENGINE EXAMINATION, STATED THAT HE SUCCESSFULLY RAN THE ENGINE. UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE REASON FOR THE POWER LOSS WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED.

NTSB Probable Cause

A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN TO ENABLE THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On Friday, February 4, 1994, at 1233 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N1877Q, lost engine power during takeoff from runway 30 and collided with the ground at Taunton, Massachusetts. The student pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was being operated under 14 CFR 91 when the accident occurred. The flight originated in Taunton. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot reported that while climbing out at 300 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. He stated that the rpm gage was indicating zero, and he tried to restart the engine but he was unsuccessful. He stated that he tried to land on a narrow street, but the airplane struck a transmission wire and spun around 170 degrees before it fell to the ground. The FAA Aviation Safety Inspector stated that he instructed the owner to remove the airplane, and that further examination of the airplane must be completed under his supervision. Upon his return to complete the examination, the owner reported that he had completed the engine run and he also gave the FAA a fuel sample.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:33 EST
Nearest AirportTAUNTON (2nm WNW)
Runway30
Runway Length3496 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN1877Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKing Services of Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 9 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data