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NTSB Report

August 31, 2002 · Piper PA-28-140 · N3961K

Price, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Price, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N3961K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW02LA244

The pilot retarded the throttle and initiated a descent to deviate around a cloud. Once clear of the cloud, the pilot advanced the throttle and initiated a climb back to the cruise altitude; however, power did not develop and gradually decreased. Engine power continued to decrease and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot attempted to restart the engine; however, was unsuccessful. He executed a forced landing to a field. The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of serious induction icing at a glide power setting. According to an FAA inspector, who examined the airplane, the left wing fuel tank contained 12 gallons of fuel and the right wing fuel tank was compromised during the impact. The cockpit fuel selector placard was mounted upside-down; therefore, provided an incorrect reading to the pilot. The cockpit fuel selector was found in the OFF position; however, the placard that was installed at the time of the accident would have indicated that the selected fuel tank was the LEFT tank. The pilot did not recall the position of the cockpit fuel selector at the time of the loss of engine power. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing.

Full Narrative

On August 31, 2002, approximately 1730 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 single-engine airplane, N3961K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Price, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Canton-Hackney Airport, Canton, Texas, approximately 1700, and was destined for the Gregg County Airport, Longview, Texas. According to the pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight, approximately 2,500 feet, when he retarded the throttle and initiated a descent to deviate around a cloud. Once clear of the cloud, the pilot advanced the throttle and initiated a climb back to the cruise altitude; however, power did not develop and gradually decreased. He increased the throttle to obtain full power; however, the maximum attained rpm was 1400-1500, and the engine power continued to decrease. The pilot attempted to restart the engine; however, was unsuccessful and initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the propeller blades were bent, the right wing separated at the wing root, the nose landing gear and right main landing gear separated, and the fuselage was wrinkled. The pilot did not recall the position of the cockpit fuel selector at the time of the loss of engine power. The temperature and dew point were plotted on a carburetor icing probability chart for light aircraft. The results revealed that the conditions were favorable for the formation of serious induction icing at a glide power setting. According to an FAA inspector, who examined the airplane, the left wing fuel tank contained 12 gallons of fuel and the right wing fuel tank was compromised during the impact. The cockpit fuel selector placard was mounted upside-down; therefore it provided an incorrect reading to the pilot. The cockpit fuel selector was found in the OFF position; however, the placard that was installed at the time of the accident would have indicated that the selected fuel tank was the LEFT tank.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN3961K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-L2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time23:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data