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March 18, 2006 · Piper PA28-180F · N2133T

Easley, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 18, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Easley, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA28-180F
Tail Number
N2133T
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL06LA053

According to the pilot, following takeoff, he made a left standard pattern and turned to the north and climbed to about 3,000 feet. Upon reaching altitude, he leveled off and retarded the throttle to cruise power and turned off the fuel pump. At that time, the engine began running rough like a "magneto failure". He immediately turned the fuel pump back on, made a left standard turn back toward the runway. The engine continued to lose power and he could get no response from the throttle. He tried to glide to the runway, but then realized he was going to be short. He elected to land in a road intersection. He saw two sets of power wires in his path and went over the first set and had to go under the second set. Unable to regain altitude, he impacted the ground thirty yards short of the road and slid through the intersection. Damage consisted of the left wing, left main landing gear, nose gear, engine mount, firewall, and tearing of the bottom right wing lower skin. Examination of the engine by the FAA found fuel in the gascolator and carburetor bowl with a small amount of water in both. The throttle cable was attached and functioning. There were no obstructions observed in the intake manifold. The magnetos, spark plugs and compression were all within normal limits, and valve and valve train continuity was established through to the accessory section. The engine was not run due to the collapsed nose gear. The FAA further stated that all systems inspected appeared normal and that he suspected an intermittent fuel supply problem.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with non-suitable terrain.

Full Narrative

On March 18, 2006, at 1545 eastern standard time, a Piper PA28-180F, N2133T, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, lost engine power in cruise flight and collided with the ground during a forced landing, in Easley, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot reported minor injuries and the airplane received substantial damage. The flight originated from the Williamsport Airpark, Easley, South Carolina, on March 18, 2006, at 1530. According to the pilot, following takeoff, he made a left standard pattern and turned to the north and climbed to about 3,000 feet. Upon reaching altitude, he leveled and retarded the throttle to cruise power and turned off the fuel pump. At that time, the engine began running rough like a "magneto failure". He immediately turned the fuel pump back on, made a left standard turn back toward the runway. The engine continued to lose power and he could get no response from the throttle. He tried to glide to the runway then realized he was going to be short. He elected to land in a road intersection. He saw two sets of power wires in his path and went over the first set and had to go under the second set. Unable to regain altitude, he impacted the ground thirty yards short of the road and slid through the intersection. Damage consisted of the left wing, left main landing gear, nose gear, engine mount, firewall, and tearing of the bottom right wing lower skin. Examination of the engine by the FAA found fuel in the gascolator and carburetor bowl. The FAA inspector further stated, "Found small amount of water in both but not significant." The throttle cable was attached and functioning. There were no obstructions observed in the intake manifold. The magnetos, spark plugs and compression were all within normal limits, and valve and valve train continuity was established through to the accessory section. The inspector stated, "All systems inspected appeared normal. Suspect intermittent fuel supply problem, and that he was, "Unable to run engine due to collapsed nose gear."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EST
Nearest AirportWilliams Port (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28-180F
Tail NumberN2133T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data