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August 30, 2021 · Piper Aircraft PA-28-161 · N864LM

Grant-Valkaria, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 2021
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Grant-Valkaria, FL
Aircraft
Piper Aircraft PA-28-161 (1985)
Tail Number
N864LM
Operator
Airborne Systems
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA349

The pilot reported that the preflight, departure, and climb phases of the flight were normal and uneventful. She leveled off at 7,500 feet mean sea level and began to lean the mixture. While leaning, the engine rpm dropped below 1,000. She responded by increasing the mixture to full rich and applying full throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The airplane began to lose altitude rapidly and she tried to restart the engine to no avail. She declared an emergency and was unable to glide to a nearby airport, so she force-landed the airplane in a farm field. The airplane collided with a fence and a ditch before coming to a stop, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation, 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

Full Narrative

On August 30, 2021, about 0819 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N864ZLM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Grant-Valkaria, Florida. The private pilot and the pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the preflight inspection, departure, and climb phases of flight were normal and uneventful. She leveled off at 7,500 feet mean sea level and began to lean the mixture. While leaning, the engine rpm dropped below 1,000. She responded by increasing the mixture to full rich and applying full throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The airplane began to lose altitude rapidly and she tried to restart the engine to no avail. She declared an emergency, and air traffic control provided radar vectors to Valkaria Airport (X59), Valkaria, Florida. Unable to make the airport, she force-landed the airplane in a farm field. The airplane collided with a fence and a ditch before coming to a stop. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane and were met by first responders. Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. Both wings and the fuselage received substantial damage. There was no fire. The right-wing fuel tank contained about 17 to 18 gallons of fuel and the left tank was empty; however, the left tank was compromised by impact forces. The wreckage was recovered to an aircraft salvage facility for further examination. The engine crankshaft was rotated manually using the propeller; it rotated freely and no internal binding was noted. The engine appeared to be freshly painted and recently overhauled. The fuel and oil lines, spark plugs, the intake, and exhaust systems were in a like-new condition. The carburetor was fractured in half by impact forces. The top spark plugs were removed, and the propeller was rotated by hand; engine continuity was established through the engine drive train and the impulse couplings in the magnetos could be heard snapping. Compression was established on all cylinders. Other than the impact-damaged carburetor, the examination of the engine did not reveal evidence of a preexisting mechanical anomaly or failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:19 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper Aircraft PA-28-161
Tail NumberN864LM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAirborne Systems
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 19 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 28 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time08:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data