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July 7, 2003 · Piper PA-38-112 · N569RA

Fort Smith, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Fort Smith, AR
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N569RA
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA200

The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after a reported in-flight loss of engine power during initial climb. The pilot reported that the engine stopped with no noticeable loss of power before it stopped during the climb out. The airplane nosed into a ditch during the forced landing. An examination revealed that both fuel tanks were full. Both magnetos produced a spark when rotated. Engine continuity was established. No anomalies were detected.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the climb out. A factor was the ditch encountered during the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On July 7, 2003, at 1745 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112, N569RA, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after a reported in-flight loss of engine power, during initial climb from runway 25 (8,000 feet by 150 feet, asphalt) at Fort Smith Regional Airport, Fort Smith, Arkansas. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported minor injuries. The local personal flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported: 1. Normal run up 2. Cleared for takeoff 3. Took off reached [approximately] 400 [feet above ground level] runway 25 4. Engine stopped no noticeable loss of power before engine stopped 5. Told tower aborting takeoff 6. Landed plane in field 7. Slid 300-350 ft swerved to miss berm 8. Nosed into ditch 9. Exited aircraft 10. Walked from aircraft and waited for help A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the wreckage. He stated that both fuel tanks were full. Both magnetos produced a spark when they were rotated. Engine continuity was established. He reported that no anomalies were detected.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 CDT
Nearest AirportFort Smith Regional (0nm ENE)
Runway25
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN569RA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data