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November 20, 1988 · Piper PA-12 · N12MZ
Lino Lakes, MN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 20, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lino Lakes, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N12MZ
Operator
Ratfield Dwaine C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA028
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND CLIMBING TO ABOUT 150 AGL, THE PILOT SAID THE ENGINE BEGAN SPUTTERING AND LOSING POWER. ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE SITUATION BY PUMPING THE THROTTLE AND WORKING THE ENGINE PRIMER FAILED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION, AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. AN EMERGENCY LDG WAS ATTEMPTED IN A SOFT FIELD RESULTING IN A NOSE OVER AND SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE ENGINE COMPONENTS, NOR ANY FUEL SHORTAGE OR CONTAMINATION. METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR THE PROBABILITY OF CARBURETOR ICING ACCORDING TO THE 'ICING PROBABILTY CHARTS'.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND CLIMBING TO ABOUT 150 AGL, THE PILOT SAID THE ENGINE BEGAN SPUTTERING AND LOSING POWER. ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE SITUATION BY PUMPING THE THROTTLE AND WORKING THE ENGINE PRIMER FAILED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION, AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. AN EMERGENCY LDG WAS ATTEMPTED IN A SOFT FIELD RESULTING IN A NOSE OVER AND SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE ENGINE COMPONENTS, NOR ANY FUEL SHORTAGE OR CONTAMINATION. METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR THE PROBABILITY OF CARBURETOR ICING ACCORDING TO THE 'ICING PROBABILTY CHARTS'.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CST
Nearest AirportSURFSIDE (0nm N)
Runway2
Runway Length1900 ft
Runway Width125 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN12MZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRatfield Dwaine C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 16 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC