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NTSB Report
October 19, 1988 · Rockwell 114 · N4753W
Palma, KY
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palma, KY
Aircraft
Rockwell 114
Tail Number
N4753W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA014
THE PILOT REPORTED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DESCENDING TO TRAFFIC PATTERN ALTITUDE. THE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT CRASHED IN A FIELD. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED AN INTERNAL MAGNETO TIMING OF 30 AND 27 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY. THE PRESCRIBED MAGNETO SETTING IS 25 DEGREES. THE BOTTOM SPARK PLUGS WERE WET WITH FUEL AFTER AN ENGINE RUN WAS COMPLETED. THE ENGINE WAS OVERHAULED ABOUT 165 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT. ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER THE OVERHAUL, PLATINUM TIP SPARK PLUGS WERE INSTALLED TO CORRECT A MAGNETO RPM DROP PROBLEM. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A ROUND BALE HAY HOLDER DURING THE LANDING ATTEMPT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DESCENDING TO TRAFFIC PATTERN ALTITUDE. THE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT CRASHED IN A FIELD. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED AN INTERNAL MAGNETO TIMING OF 30 AND 27 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY. THE PRESCRIBED MAGNETO SETTING IS 25 DEGREES. THE BOTTOM SPARK PLUGS WERE WET WITH FUEL AFTER AN ENGINE RUN WAS COMPLETED. THE ENGINE WAS OVERHAULED ABOUT 165 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT. ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER THE OVERHAUL, PLATINUM TIP SPARK PLUGS WERE INSTALLED TO CORRECT A MAGNETO RPM DROP PROBLEM. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A ROUND BALE HAY HOLDER DURING THE LANDING ATTEMPT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRockwell 114
Tail NumberN4753W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-T4A5D · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50