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NTSB Report

December 4, 1996 · Piper PA-28-180 · N142AV

New Hudson, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 4, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
New Hudson, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N142AV
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA038

After taking off at night, the engine lost total power without warning at approximately 300 to 400 feet. The pilot checked the fuel, carburetor heat, and fuel pump without success of a restart. He turned about 270 degrees before maneuvering to avoid a house. The airplane struck a tree and part of an attached garage. Examination of the engine and aircraft systems did not reveal any discrepancies. The airplane had 2.4 hours of flight time, since the last annual inspection. The temperature and dew point were 32 and 20 degrees. According to icing probability charts, conditions were conducive for carburetor icing, but carburetor icing was not verified.

NTSB Probable Cause

loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Darkness was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On December 4, 1996, at 1815 eastern standard time (est), a Piper PA-28-180, N142AV, registered to New Hudson Aviation, Inc., of New Hudson, Michigan, received substantial damage after impacting a house during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power on initial climb out. The private pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed New Hudson Airport, New Hudson, Michigan, at 1815 est, with the intended destination of Pontiac, Michigan. According to the pilot's written statement, he was returning from Detroit City Airport after receiving an annual inspection, to New Hudson to pick-up a passenger. After performing a runup, the pilot took off for Pontiac Airport. At approximately 300 to 400 feet, he lost total engine power without warning. The pilot checked fuel, carburetor heat and the fuel pump without success of a restart. The pilot turned approximately 270 degrees before maneuvering to avoid a house and struck trees and part of the garage of the house. The pilot upon exiting the airplane could not turn off the fuel selector, because it was jammed. Post accident examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, stated that he removed the "P" leads from the magnetos and performed an operational check of the ignition switch. No discrepancies noted. The impulse coupling functioned properly, with spark at each ignition lead in proper sequence. The spark plugs were new and observed to have a gray color to them. All cylinders had compression. The Inspector removed the fuel line starting at the firewall to the carburetor and revealed the lines had residual fuel and were unobstructed. The fuel lines were installed at the annual inspection 2.4 hours previously. The carburetor was found with fuel in it. The accelerator pump functioned properly. The director of maintenance at the maintenance facility said the airplane departed with full fuel onboard. According to the owner/pilot he had 10 to 12 gallons in each tank prior to departure at New Hudson Airport.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 EST
Nearest AirportNew Hudson (1nm N)
Runway25
Runway Length3015 ft
Runway Width37 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN142AV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind340° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data