# NTSB ATL83LA113: Piper PA-22-150, N3750P, Stafford, VA, February 19, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 19, 1983, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Stafford, VA
- Coordinates: 38.419792, -77.400856 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4198&lon=-77.4009&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6018
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA113
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6018/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA113

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,cylinder - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A DITCH DURING A FORCED LANDING. THE PLT WAS CRUISING AT 3000 FT MSL WHEN HE HEARD A 'LOUD POP'. THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING ROUGH AND MISSING. THE PLT SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN BY PULLING THE MIXTURE CONTROL AND THROTTLE. WHEN HE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE HE BEGAN TO LOOK FOR A PLACE TO LAND. HE WANTED I-95 BUT IT WAS CROWDED WITH TRAFFIC. A FIELD WAS PICKED BUT THE DITCH WAS NOT SEEN UNTIL TOO LATE TO AVOID IT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3750P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3750P), registered now, S/N 22-3470, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-3470
- Airframe hours: 2169
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John E. Caudle
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 14, 1982
- Departed: W22, WOODRIDGE, VA
- Destination: W93, ORANGE, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 540 total, 452 in this make and model, 510 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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