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NTSB Report

November 1, 1996 · Piper PA-28-161 · N81435

Brooksville, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 1, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Brooksville, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N81435
Operator
Donald G Pearson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA015

The aircraft owner reported that the student pilot was conducting traffic pattern training when he experienced a total loss of engine power while on final approach. The student pilot reported that he completed the before landing check that included the application of carburetor heat. After he turned on to the final approach leg the student pilot noticed that the engine had quit. During the forced landing roll the airplane collided with two parked vehicles. The examination of the aircraft at the accident site failed to disclose a mechanical problem. A subsequent functional check of the engine disclosed that it operated normally throughout all power ranges. Weather conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On November 1, 1996, at 1745 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N81435, collided with two travel trailers in a secure lot east of the Hernando County Airport in Brooksville, Florida. The instructional flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the student pilot was not injured. The flight departed Brooksville, at 1730. The aircraft owner reported that the student pilot was conducting traffic pattern training when he experienced a total loss of engine power while on final approach to runway 27. The student pilot reported that he completed the before landing check, that included the application of carburetor heat. After the student pilot turned on to the final approach leg, he noticed that the engine had quit. The student pilot selected an area near the airport and attempted a forced landing. During the forced landing roll out, the airplane collided with two parked vehicles. The examination of the aircraft at the accident site failed to disclose a mechanical problem. A subsequent functional check of the engine disclosed that it operated normally throughout all power ranges. This check was repeated with the same results. A review of the weather data disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor icing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 EST
Nearest AirportHernando County Airport (1nm E)
Runway27
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN81435
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald G Pearson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data