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August 6, 2016 · Piper PA 28R-201 201 · N3783M

Northampton, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 6, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Northampton, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA 28R-201 201 (1978)
Tail Number
N3783M
Operator
Northhampton Aeronautics
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA16LA280

The flight instructor indicated that, during a simulated soft-field takeoff on an instructional flight, the airplane's climb performance noticeably deteriorated. As the airplane reached about 150 ft above ground level, the engine started to lose power. The flight instructor chose to make an emergency off-airport landing, during which the right wing and firewall were substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the alternate air valve plate was lodged in the air intake and blocked the fuel servo. Further examination revealed that the hinge pin that held the alternate air valve plate was worn completely through, which caused the plate assembly to separate from its mounting location and lodge in the fuel servo. This obstruction likely restricted the intake air to the engine and thus led to the loss of engine power on takeoff. Examination of the alternate air valve plate revealed that it had been altered from its original design, although there were no maintenance records documenting the alteration. The investigation could not determine whether this alteration contributed to the failure of the alternate air valve plate's mounting mechanism.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the alternate air valve plate hinge pin, which caused the alternate air valve plate to lodge in the fuel servo assembly, which resulted in a restriction of air to the fuel servo assembly, a loss of engine power, and an off-airport emergency landing.

Full Narrative

On August 06, 2016, about 1145 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-201, N3783M, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near Northampton Airport (7B2), Northampton, Massachusetts. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated from 7B2, about 1143.According to the flight instructor, during a simulated soft field take-off, the airplane's climb performance deteriorated noticeably. As the airplane reached approximately 150 feet above ground level, the engine started to lose power. He then realized that continuing the climb was not possible, and any increase in pitch resulted in an immediate decrease in airspeed. The flight instructor elected to make an emergency off airport landing in a corn field near the end of the departure runway. During the landing sequence the right wing and firewall were damaged. A post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the alternate air valve plate had separated from its mounting location and was lodged in the fuel servo air intake, blocking the fuel servo. After further examination of the alternate air valve plate it was noted that the hinge pin was worn completely through the plate assembly. A review of manufacturer engineering drawings showed that the plate assembly was modified using a spring attached to the plate. A review of the logbooks did not reveal an entry of a modification, or repair of the part.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 EDT
Nearest AirportNorthampton Airport (1nm SSE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28R-201 201
Tail NumberN3783M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNorthhampton Aeronautics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 29 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.72 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data