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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 29, 2010 · Piper PA28R 180 · N4627J

Mcgregor, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 2010
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Mcgregor, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA28R 180
Tail Number
N4627J
Operator
Aurora Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10CA359

The flight instructor and private pilot were completing a circle-to-land maneuver on an instrument approach after breaking out of overcast clouds at approximately 1,300 feet above ground level (AGL). While on the circle-to-land downwind leg, at approximately 1,100 feet AGL, the pilot turned on the electric boost pump, switched the fuel tank selector valve from the right to left tank, and observed positive fuel pressure. The engine then began to sputter and the flight instructor went to full power with the throttle and switched back to the right tank. The engine sounded like it might rev up but then quit completely. The flight instructor took control and executed an engine-out forced landing on airport property short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the spars of both wings and all three landing gear. Both pilots received minor injuries during the impact sequences, and both were able to exit the airplane unassisted. Both pilots reported that there was adequate fuel in both tanks. An examination of the airplane's engine and other systems showed no anomalies. The facility that refueled the airplane before the flight reported that postaccident fuel quality checks of the tank farm and the refueler were nominal. The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. Because of the airplane’s year of manufacture shoulder harness installation was not required. The flight instructor said the injuries to his face would have been lessened if he had been wearing a shoulder harness.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the severity of injuries was the airplane's lack of shoulder harnesses.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor and private pilot were completing a circle to land maneuver on an instrument approach after breaking out of overcast clouds at approximately 1,300 feet above ground level (AGL). While on the circle to land downwind leg at approximately 1,100 feet AGL the pilot turned on the electric boost pump, switched the fuel tank selector valve from the right to left tank, and observed positive fuel pressure. The engine then began to sputter and the flight instructor went to full power with the throttle and switched back to the right tank. The engine sounded like it might rev up but then quit completely. The flight instructor took control and executed an engine out forced landing on airport property short of the runway. There was substantial damage to the spars of both wings and all three landing gear. Both pilots received minor injuries during the impact sequences, and both were able to exit the airplane unassisted. Both pilots reported that there was adequate fuel in both tanks. An examination of the airplane's engine and other systems showed no anomalies. The facility that refueled the airplane before the flight reported that post accident fuel quality checks of the tank farm and the refueler were nominal. The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. Because of the airplane’s year of manufacture shoulder harness installation was not required. The flight instructor said the injuries to his face would have been lessened if he had been wearing a shoulder harness. Both pilots said their injuries would have been much worse if they had hit the ground harder than they did.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:42 CDT
Nearest AirportMc Gregor Executive Airport (1nm)
Runway35
Runway Length5501 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28R 180
Tail NumberN4627J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAurora Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 26 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1100 ft
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time13:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data