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NTSB Report
October 30, 1990 · Piper PA-28-181 · N4321M
Elkton, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 30, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Elkton, MD
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N4321M
Operator
Garden State Flying Service
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO91FA008
THE PILOT LANDED ON RUNWAY 35, BACK TAXIED, AND THEN TOOK OFF. ACCORDING TO HIM, DURING CLIMBOUT AT ABOUT 200' MSL, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD, BUT THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND STRUCK THE GROUND ABOUT 300' BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT LANDED ON RUNWAY 35, BACK TAXIED, AND THEN TOOK OFF. ACCORDING TO HIM, DURING CLIMBOUT AT ABOUT 200' MSL, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD, BUT THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND STRUCK THE GROUND ABOUT 300' BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 EST
Nearest AirportCecil County (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width38 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN4321M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGarden State Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC