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NTSB Report
August 31, 1985 · Piper PA-28-181 · N5418F
Englewood, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 1985
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Englewood, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N5418F
Operator
Associates Flying Club
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN85LA231
THE PILOT STATED AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT HE HAD APPROXIMATELY 1/2 FULL TANKS OF FUEL WHEN HE DEPARTED THE AIRPORT ON A LOCAL NIGHT FLIGHT. HE STATED THAT HE FLEW BURNING FUEL FROM THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT WAS RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT AFTER A FLIGHT OF APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 15 MINUTES, WHEN HE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. HE STATED THAT HE SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE RIGHT FUEL TANK BUT THEN SWITCHED IT BACK TO THE LEFT TANK MOMENTS LATER WHEN THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THEENG PERFORMANCE. THE ENG QUIT AND THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT HE HAD APPROXIMATELY 1/2 FULL TANKS OF FUEL WHEN HE DEPARTED THE AIRPORT ON A LOCAL NIGHT FLIGHT. HE STATED THAT HE FLEW BURNING FUEL FROM THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT WAS RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT AFTER A FLIGHT OF APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 15 MINUTES, WHEN HE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. HE STATED THAT HE SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE RIGHT FUEL TANK BUT THEN SWITCHED IT BACK TO THE LEFT TANK MOMENTS LATER WHEN THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THEENG PERFORMANCE. THE ENG QUIT AND THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:45 MDT
Nearest AirportCentennial (5nm E)
Runway16R
Runway Length5145 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN5418F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAssociates Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-AYM · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind170° @ 10 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time05:45
Weather SourceWFAC