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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

May 25, 1996 · Piper PA-32 · N40933

Osage Beach, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Osage Beach, MO
Aircraft
Piper PA-32
Tail Number
N40933
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA174

The pilot reported that within minutes of departure the engine started to lose power but did not quit completely. He reported that the engine was barely above idle. Passengers flying with the pilot also reported that the engine did not sputter but continued to run smoothly at partial power. The pilot reported that he was unable to restore power to the engine and executed a forced landing at a nearby golf course. Due to golfers on the fairways, the pilot was unable to land on the golf course's fairway. The aircraft landed in rough terrain and went through a ravine which produced substantial damage to the aircraft. The examination of the aircraft revealed that fuel was available in all four fuel tanks prior to impact damage. The fuel lines to the engine driven fuel pump were inspected and were intact with no leakage. The electric boost pump was operated and it indicated normal fuel pressure. The engine driven fuel pump was bench tested and operated normally. The engine was test run and operated within specifications.

NTSB Probable Cause

a partial loss of power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On May 25, 1996, at 1245 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32, N40933, operated by Sparta Aero Services, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing due to a partial loss of engine power after takeoff near Osage Beach, Missouri. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The 14 CFR 91 flight departed Grand Glaize Memorial Airport, Osage Beach, Missouri, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he had departed Sparta, Illinois, and flew to Osage Beach, Missouri. The distance was about 140 nautical miles and took approximately 1.5 hours. The pilot reported that he departed Osage Beach about 15 minutes later. He reported that within minutes of departure the engine started to lose power but did not quit completely. He reported that the engine was barely above idle. Passengers flying with the pilot also reported that the engine did not sputter but continued to run smoothly at partial power. The pilot reported that he was unable to restore power to the engine, so he did a forced landing at a nearby golf course. Due to golfers on the fairways, the pilot was unable to land on the golf course's fairway. The aircraft landed in rough terrain and went through a ravine which produced substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot and passengers deplaned without injuries. The examination of the aircraft revealed that fuel was available in all four fuel tanks prior to impact damage. The fuel lines to the engine driven fuel pump were inspected and were intact with no leakage. The electric boost pump was operated and it indicated normal fuel pressure. The engine driven fuel pump was bench tested and it operated normally. The engine was run and it operated within specifications.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32
Tail NumberN40933
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 18 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data