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NTSB Report
December 27, 1990 · Piper PA-28-161 · N84499
Gardner, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Gardner, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N84499
Operator
Kansas City Aviation Center
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91FA053
WHILE CRUISING AT NIGHT ON AN IFR FLIGHT IN VFR CONDITIONS, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER. ALSO, HE SAID THE AIRCRAFT HAD FULL FUEL TANKS AND THE APPLICATION OF CARBURETOR HEAD DID NOT HELP. HE WAS VECTORED TOWARD THE NEAREST AIRPORT BY ATC. HOWEVER, THE AIRCRAFT HIT A TREE AND CRASHED IN AN OPEN FIELD ABOUT FOUR MILES SHORT OF THE AIRPORT.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. DARKNESS WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Full Narrative
WHILE CRUISING AT NIGHT ON AN IFR FLIGHT IN VFR CONDITIONS, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER. ALSO, HE SAID THE AIRCRAFT HAD FULL FUEL TANKS AND THE APPLICATION OF CARBURETOR HEAD DID NOT HELP. HE WAS VECTORED TOWARD THE NEAREST AIRPORT BY ATC. HOWEVER, THE AIRCRAFT HIT A TREE AND CRASHED IN AN OPEN FIELD ABOUT FOUR MILES SHORT OF THE AIRPORT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN84499
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKansas City Aviation Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind80° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:02
Weather SourceWFAC