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NTSB Report
June 28, 1985 · Piper PA-28-181 · N9459K
Oxford, OH
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Oxford, OH
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N9459K
Operator
Cherokee Chiefs of Ohio
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85LA257
WHILE ON A ROUND-ROBIN FLIGHT AT NIGHT THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE. AS HE WAS RETURNING TO HIS POINT OF ORIGIN THE BATTERY POWER DEPLETED LEAVING HIM WITH NO RADIOS OR LANDING LIGHT AND ONLY A FLASHLIGHT FOR COCKPIT LIGHTING. HE DECIDED TO LAND AT THE CLOSEST AVAILABLE AIRPORT BUT AS HE WAS ON SHORT FINAL THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WENT OUT. HE COULDN'T TURN THEM BACK ON DUE TO HIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. HE PERFORMED A GO-AROUND BUT BOUNCED OFF THE RUNWAY INTO TWO FENCES ON HIS SUBSEQUENT LANDING. A POST-ACCIDENT MAINT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED A BROKEN FIELD WIRE ON THE ALTERNATOR.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON A ROUND-ROBIN FLIGHT AT NIGHT THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE. AS HE WAS RETURNING TO HIS POINT OF ORIGIN THE BATTERY POWER DEPLETED LEAVING HIM WITH NO RADIOS OR LANDING LIGHT AND ONLY A FLASHLIGHT FOR COCKPIT LIGHTING. HE DECIDED TO LAND AT THE CLOSEST AVAILABLE AIRPORT BUT AS HE WAS ON SHORT FINAL THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WENT OUT. HE COULDN'T TURN THEM BACK ON DUE TO HIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. HE PERFORMED A GO-AROUND BUT BOUNCED OFF THE RUNWAY INTO TWO FENCES ON HIS SUBSEQUENT LANDING. A POST-ACCIDENT MAINT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED A BROKEN FIELD WIRE ON THE ALTERNATOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:35 EDT
Nearest AirportMiami Univ. Airport (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN9459K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCherokee Chiefs of Ohio
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind45° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO