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October 13, 2019 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N75139

Springtown, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 13, 2019
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Springtown, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200 (1976)
Tail Number
N75139
Operator
U S Aviation Academy
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20LA016

The pilot/mechanic stated that he was asked to look at an airplane that had been involved in a loss of engine power event and forced landing the day before. His intention was to fly the airplane back to the flight school if it was safe to do so. He determined that the left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank was full. He performed a pre-flight inspection and an extended run-up with no anomalies noted. The takeoff and initial climb were normal, and he circled the airport while climbing to cruise altitude before proceeding to the destination. About 10 miles north of the departure airport, the engine "suddenly" lost power with no prior indication of a problem. The airplane did not have sufficient altitude to return to the airport, and the pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted a steel fence gate. A postrecovery engine run did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

Full Narrative

On October 13, 2019, about 1215 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, N75139, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Springtown, Texas. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to U.S. Aviation Group LLC and operated by U.S. Aviation Academy as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from Kezer Air Ranch Airport (61TE), Springtown, Texas, about 1200 and was destined for Denton Enterprise Airport (DTO), Denton, Texas. The pilot, who was also a mechanic, stated that he was requested to go to 61TE to look at an airplane which had been involved in a loss of engine power event and forced landing the day before. His intention was to fly it back to DTO if it was safe to do so. He subsequently determined that the left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank was full. He performed a pre-flight inspection which included taking a fuel sample from the right tank and the gascolator. No contamination was observed. After selecting the right fuel tank, the engine "started normally" and "ran smoothly." He taxied to the runup pad and conducted an "extensive run-up" looking for "any indication of [an] abnormality." All engine instrument indications were normal. After lining up on the runway, he advanced the throttle to takeoff power and held the brakes again looking for "any indication of [an] abnormality." With the engine running smoothly, he released the brakes. After takeoff, he circled the airport while climbing to 4,500 ft mean sea level before heading to DTO. About 10 miles north of 61TE, the engine "suddenly" lost power with no prior indication of a problem. He attempted to glide back to the departure airport, but the airplane did not have sufficient altitude. The airplane impacted a steel fence gate during the forced landing. A postrecovery engine run did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power. The engine started without difficulty and ran smoothly at all power settings. A magneto check was unremarkable; each magneto exhibited an approximate 75 rpm drop. An examination of the fuel selector did not reveal any anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 CDT
Nearest AirportKezer Air Ranch (2nm S)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN75139
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorU S Aviation Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data