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NTSB Report
May 13, 1983 · Piper PA28R-201T · N2943Z
Aurora, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 13, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Aurora, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA28R-201T
Tail Number
N2943Z
Operator
James Elwood & Ken Lowe Arct
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN83FA111
THE PLT RECEIVED A JUMP START BECAUSE THE BATTERY FAILED TO START THE ENG. AFTER DEPARTURE & LEVELING OF AT 10,000 FT, HE WAS CONCERNED WITH THE 1 INCH OF RIME ICE HE HAD PICKED UP & GOT AN UPDATED WX BRIEFING FROM FLT WATCH. HE ASKED FOR & RECEIVED A CLEARANCE BACK TO ARAPAHOE ARPT. DURING LETDOWN TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. AFTER BREAKING OUT OF THE OVERCAST HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE COLUMBINE ARPT. WHILE FLYING IN & OUT OF CLOUDS THE ACFT LANDED SHORT OF THE RWY DURING THE 2ND LANDING ATTEMPT. ABOUT 1-1/2 INCHES OF ICE HAD ACCUMULATED ON THE ACFT. EXAM OF THE BATTERY REVEALED THATIT HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO VERY HIGH OPERATING TEMPS. THE 6 CELLS WERE DRY. THE TOP OF THE BATTERY BORE EVIDENCE OF PAINT BUBBLING & CASE DISTORTION.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RECEIVED A JUMP START BECAUSE THE BATTERY FAILED TO START THE ENG. AFTER DEPARTURE & LEVELING OF AT 10,000 FT, HE WAS CONCERNED WITH THE 1 INCH OF RIME ICE HE HAD PICKED UP & GOT AN UPDATED WX BRIEFING FROM FLT WATCH. HE ASKED FOR & RECEIVED A CLEARANCE BACK TO ARAPAHOE ARPT. DURING LETDOWN TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. AFTER BREAKING OUT OF THE OVERCAST HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE COLUMBINE ARPT. WHILE FLYING IN & OUT OF CLOUDS THE ACFT LANDED SHORT OF THE RWY DURING THE 2ND LANDING ATTEMPT. ABOUT 1-1/2 INCHES OF ICE HAD ACCUMULATED ON THE ACFT. EXAM OF THE BATTERY REVEALED THATIT HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO VERY HIGH OPERATING TEMPS. THE 6 CELLS WERE DRY. THE TOP OF THE BATTERY BORE EVIDENCE OF PAINT BUBBLING & CASE DISTORTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MDT
Nearest AirportColumbine (0nm N)
Runway32
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA28R-201T
Tail NumberN2943Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames Elwood & Ken Lowe Arct
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-FB · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 10 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO