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NTSB Report
May 25, 1985 · Piper PA-28-140 · N15074
Nappanee, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Nappanee, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N15074
Operator
Charles H Smith
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85FET02
THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR ON INITIAL CLIMB FROM A TOUCH & GO LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE THROTTLE LEVER COULD ROTATE ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT DESPITE THE ATTACHING BOLTS BEING TIGHT AND SAFETY WIRED. THIS SLIPPAGE COULD HAVE ALLOWED INDUCTION SUCTION TO CLOSE THE THROTTLE PLATE DURING TAKEOFF DESPITE THE THROTTLE CONTROL BEING IN THE FULL OPEN (IN) POSITION.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR ON INITIAL CLIMB FROM A TOUCH & GO LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE THROTTLE LEVER COULD ROTATE ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT DESPITE THE ATTACHING BOLTS BEING TIGHT AND SAFETY WIRED. THIS SLIPPAGE COULD HAVE ALLOWED INDUCTION SUCTION TO CLOSE THE THROTTLE PLATE DURING TAKEOFF DESPITE THE THROTTLE CONTROL BEING IN THE FULL OPEN (IN) POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest AirportNappanee Municipal (1nm SW)
Runway27
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN15074
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCharles H Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC