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NTSB Report
February 23, 1988 · Piper PA-22-108 · N5542Z
Fabens, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 23, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fabens, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-108
Tail Number
N5542Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW88LA070
THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENG RAN ROUGH ON A PREVIOUS FLT AND HE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS. HE THEN TOOK OFF AND AT A POINT SEVEN MILES FROM THE DEPARTURE ARPT, THE ENG AGAIN BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND INTERMITTENTLY. AN EMERGENCY LANDING BECAME NECESSARY AND DURING THE LANDING IN ROUGH TERRAIN, THE NOSE GEAR BROKE, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUSELAGE. AN FAA INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE AND DID NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE REPORTED POWER LOSS. IN HIS REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT, THE PLT STATES THAT RUBBER PARTICLES, POSSIBLY FROM FUEL LINES, WERE FOUND IN THE FUEL. THE ACFT WAS BEING OPERATED ON AUTO FUEL.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENG RAN ROUGH ON A PREVIOUS FLT AND HE REMOVED, CLEANED, AND REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS. HE THEN TOOK OFF AND AT A POINT SEVEN MILES FROM THE DEPARTURE ARPT, THE ENG AGAIN BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND INTERMITTENTLY. AN EMERGENCY LANDING BECAME NECESSARY AND DURING THE LANDING IN ROUGH TERRAIN, THE NOSE GEAR BROKE, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUSELAGE. AN FAA INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE AND DID NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE REPORTED POWER LOSS. IN HIS REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT, THE PLT STATES THAT RUBBER PARTICLES, POSSIBLY FROM FUEL LINES, WERE FOUND IN THE FUEL. THE ACFT WAS BEING OPERATED ON AUTO FUEL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-108
Tail NumberN5542Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1B · Reciprocating · 108
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 7 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC