# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28-161, TX

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA304.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Hudson Oaks, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 1, 2026 · N47899 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control during the rejected takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff after the airplane had accelerated above its normal rotation speed. Also…
- [NTSB CEN22LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA237.md): Piper PA28 · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 7, 2022 · N8283V · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadequate fuel management that resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB CEN21LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA256.md): Piper PA-28-161 · San Angelo, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 3, 2021 · N2120J · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate maintenance of the left main landing gear strut, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB CEN21LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA211.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Spring, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 6, 2021 · N54MC · Substantial damage
  > An engine fire that resulted from a fuel leak into the carburetor air box due to the electric fuel pump over-pressurizing the carburetor needle/seat assembly. Contributing to the severity of the fire was the flight instructor’s failure to turn off the…
- [NTSB GAA18CA551](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA551.md): Piper PA28 · Cypress, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 1, 2018 · N212NA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper approach path after the airplane encountered turbulence, which resulted in the airplane landing hard short of the runway.
- [NTSB GAA17CA419](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA419.md): Piper PA28 · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 14, 2017 · N82629 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and a propeller strike.
- [NTSB GAA16CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA095.md): Piper PA 28-161 · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 30, 2015 · N2135B · Substantial damage
  > An inadvertent collision with a bird while on downwind in the airport pattern.
- [NTSB CEN15LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA228.md): Piper PA 28-161 · Ranger, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 12, 2015 · N3024S · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to piston fatigue cracking for reasons that could not be determined due to postfracture smearing damage.
- [NTSB CEN12LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA216.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Arcola, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2012 · N800KA · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during landing approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB CEN11CA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA376.md): Piper PA-28-161 · San Angelo, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 17, 2011 · N2120J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB DFW08LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA144.md): Stinson 108-3 · Roanoke, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 15, 2008 · N6805M · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The departing pilot's inadequate visual lookout resulting in his airplane colliding with the landing airplane. Contributing to the accident was the trees/visual obstructions along the runway's approach path.
- [NTSB DFW06LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06LA199.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Houston, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2006 · N82078 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB DFW06CA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA179.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Georgetown, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2006 · N8164J · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation after the private pilot inadvertently positioned the fuel selector to the OFF position. Contributor factors were the lack of suitable…
- [NTSB DFW05LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA054.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Decatur, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2005 · N9419C · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance and the instructor's inadequate supervision. Contributing factors were the prevailing dark night conditions, and the power line.
- [NTSB FTW02CA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02CA249.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Graham, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 4, 2002 · N9855S · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point which resulted in a runway overrun.
- [NTSB FTW00LA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA185.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Mckinney, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 2000 · N8427K · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the landing resulting in the loss of directional control by the student pilot.
- [NTSB FTW98LA329](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA329.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Rockwall, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1998 · N30117 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper use of the fuel tank selector resulting in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. A factor was the pilot's failure to follow the check list.
- [NTSB FTW97LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA203.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Bridgeport, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 24, 1997 · N8351R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude. A contributing factor was a tailwind.
- [NTSB FTW96LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA233.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Longview, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 1996 · N8275Z · Substantial damage
  > an improper flare by the pilot rated student, while landing with a tailwind; and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor.
- [NTSB FTW93LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA218.md): Piper PA-28-161 · League City, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 1993 · N3079M · Substantial damage
  > Visual lookout not maintained by the driver of the vehicle. A factor was the driver of the vehicle becoming inadvertently lost.
- [NTSB DEN93LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN93LA039.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Llano, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 1993 · N81527 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC. Factors were: low ceiling, dark night, and the pilot's lack of total instrument time.
- [NTSB FTW92LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA187.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Midland, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1992 · N84102 · Destroyed
  > A loss of control for reasons undetermined.
- [NTSB FTW90LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA058.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Austin, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 1990 · N30057 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the rocker arm in the engine driven fuel pump.
- [NTSB FTW87LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA098.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Waring, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 1987 · N2140D · Substantial damage
  > The newly certificated private pilot landed on runway 17 at a small privately owned airport at Waring, TX. There was a wire fence located 18 feet from the left edge of the landing runway. The pilot allowed the aircraft to drift left off the runway and collide…
- [NTSB FTW87LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA010.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Lake Dallas, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 1986 · N8289N · Substantial damage
  > During a local flt, the plt elected to make a touch-&-go landing on a 2800 ft rwy at Lake Dallas, TX. He said that the acft touched down on the 1st quarter of the rwy, then he lowered the nose, retracted the flaps & applied full power to takeoff. However, he…
- [NTSB FTW86LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA012.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Killeen, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1985 · N84691 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot stopped enroute to refuel. Fuel service at the airport and already closed for the night so the pilot drained about 10 gallons of fuel into his airplane from a parked Cessna airplane and departed for his destination. However, this amount of fuel was…
- [NTSB FTW84FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84FA050.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Devers, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1983 · N8092Z · Destroyed
  > The acft collided with trees while maneuvering at a very low altitude after dark in a popular deer hunting area. The acft was observed rolling into steep bank with the eng 'revved up' then suddenly yawed toward the ground. The acft lights were on.
- [NTSB FTW84FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84FA021.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Aubrey, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1983 · N8161S · Destroyed
  > The purpose of the flt was to give a bfr to the private rated plt who had not flown for about 1 year. There were no witnesses to the accident. The plt stated that he could recall doing basic airwork during the flt, but could not recall any details of the flt…
- [NTSB FTW83LA434](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA434.md): Piper PA-28-160 · Cresson, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 1983 · N4295N · Substantial damage
  > During arrival, the plt elected to land on an unlighted arpt. After landing & while slowing, the acft drifted to the left side of the rwy. Subsequently, the acft went over a concrete curb & the left main gear failed.
- [NTSB FTW83LA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA389.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Bryan, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 1983 · N8115L · Substantial damage
  > The student plt was on a x-country flt to the college station easterwood arpt near Bryan, TX. When he arrived in the vicinity, he saw a nearby arpt, the Texas a&m flt test station. He stated that at about the same time, the eng missed momentarily, 2 times,…
- [NTSB FTW83FA384](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA384.md): Piper PA-28-161 · El Paso, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 1983 · N8193Q · Destroyed
  > The plt had postponed the flt due to wx conditions. During a flt from deming, NM to waco, TX, the acft subsequently crashed within the boundries of a private arpt, northwest of El Paso, TX. Impact occurred in a steep left bank, nose low attitude. The degree…
- [NTSB FTW83LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA025.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Mcallen, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 1982 · N47916 · Substantial damage
  > While on approach the pilot encountered wind shear and downdrafts and subsequently struck the number 2 approach light stanchion. The gear assembly sheared off and the aircraft touched down on the runway and veered to the right.
- [NTSB FTW82FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FA171.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Lorenzo, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 1982 · N9697C · Destroyed
  > The aircraft crashed while the pilot was trying to return to the departure airport after a night takeoff. Marginal VFR conditions were forecast with thunderstorms predicted. The aircraft accident occurred in area where a thunderstorm was in progress. His…
- [NTSB FTW82DRA09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DRA09.md): Piper PA-28 · Beaumont, TX · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 12, 1981 · N8092Z · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW82FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FA008.md): Piper PA-28 · Killeen, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Oct 12, 1981 · N8351S · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW81DRA44](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW81DRA44.md): Piper PA-28 · Houston, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Jul 14, 1981 · N38952 · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW81FPD20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW81FPD20.md): Piper PA-28 · Rhome, TX · Accident · No injuries · Closed · May 2, 1981 · N8081P · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW79DRG54](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79DRG54.md): Piper PA-28 · Austin, TX · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 9, 1979 · N2116F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW79FRA05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79FRA05.md): Piper PA-28 · Pearland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Dec 5, 1978 · N1140Q · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW79DRA02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79DRA02.md): Piper PA-28 · Houston, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Oct 29, 1978 · N1958H · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW78FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW78FA086.md): Piper PA-28 · Richland Hills, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Sep 28, 1978 · N1853H · 2 aircraft · Destroyed

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'TX' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7102803', '7102834'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7102803&state=TX

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