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NTSB Report
September 28, 1991 · Piper PA-28-140 · N5838U
West Palm Beach, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 1991
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N5838U
Operator
Steven Mccaughey
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA91FA227
THE PILOT STATED HE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE MAGNETO DROP ON RUN UP AND HE LEANED THE MIXTURE TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. HE NEVER STATED HE PLACED THE MIXTURE CONTROL TO FULL RICH PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. THE ENGINE GRADUALLY LOST POWER AFTER TAKEOFF AND EVENTUALLY QUIT. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AND STRUCK A TREE AND A BUILDING DURING LANDING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL IN THAT HE FAILED TO PLACE IT IN FULL RICH CONDITION PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED HE EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE MAGNETO DROP ON RUN UP AND HE LEANED THE MIXTURE TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. HE NEVER STATED HE PLACED THE MIXTURE CONTROL TO FULL RICH PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. THE ENGINE GRADUALLY LOST POWER AFTER TAKEOFF AND EVENTUALLY QUIT. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AND STRUCK A TREE AND A BUILDING DURING LANDING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time01:14 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN5838U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSteven Mccaughey
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 24 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind310° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time05:25
Weather SourceWFAC