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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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March 16, 1990 · Piper PA-28-140 · N8285N

Herington, KS

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Herington, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N8285N
Operator
Ward Robert L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC90LA065

THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHILE EN ROUTE, THE ENG BEGAN VIBRATING & LOST SUBSTANTIAL POWER. HE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FARM PASTURE, BUT THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN HARD, DAMAGING THE PROP, WINGS & LANDING GEAR. A POST ACDNT EXAM OF OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE #2 EXHAUST VALVE HAD FAILED.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE OF THE #2 EXHAUST VALVE, AND IMPROPER FLARE BY THE PILOT DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHILE EN ROUTE, THE ENG BEGAN VIBRATING & LOST SUBSTANTIAL POWER. HE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FARM PASTURE, BUT THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN HARD, DAMAGING THE PROP, WINGS & LANDING GEAR. A POST ACDNT EXAM OF OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE #2 EXHAUST VALVE HAD FAILED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN8285N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWard Robert L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 15 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data