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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 1, 1995 · Piper PA-22-160 · N2820Z

Payson, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 1995
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Payson, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N2820Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX95LA235

THE AIRCRAFT LOST ENGINE POWER DURING THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB AND COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING A FORCED LANDING. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE PURCHASED 20 GALLONS OF FUEL FROM THE AIRPORT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. RESPONDING FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL STATED THAT THEY TURNED OFF THE FUEL VALVE TO CONTROL A FUEL LINE LEAK AFTER THE ACCIDENT. AN FAA INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE AIRCRAFT AND REPORTED FINDING NO DISCREPANCIES. FUEL SAMPLES FROM THE AIRCRAFT TANKS AND CARBURETOR, AND FROM THE AIRPORT FUEL TRUCK USED TO REFUEL THE AIRCRAFT, WERE TAKEN FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS. ACCORDING TO THE LABORATORY REPORT, THE FUEL SAMPLES TESTED WERE CONSISTENT WITH AVIATION GASOLINE. NO SIGNIFICANT WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS WERE FOUND.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On July 1, 1995, at 1435 hours mountain standard time, a Piper PA-22-160, N2820Z, collided with trees during a forced landing following takeoff at Payson, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power in the takeoff initial climb. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot, and was beginning a personal cross-country flight to Glendale, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and his one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he purchased 20 gallons of fuel from the airport prior to departure. Responding fire department personnel stated that they turned off the fuel valve to control a fuel line leak after the accident. An FAA inspector from the Scottsdale, Arizona, Flight Standards District Office examined the aircraft and reported finding no discrepancies. Fuel samples from the aircraft tanks and carburetor, and from the airport fuel truck used to refuel the aircraft, were taken for laboratory analysis. According to the laboratory report, the fuel samples tested were consistent with aviation gasoline. No significant water or other contaminants were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:35 MST
Nearest AirportPAYSON (1nm WSW)
Runway24
Runway Length5504 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN2820Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 13 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data