# NTSB ATL84FA129: Piper PA-32-260, N4809S, Woodstock, GA, March 23, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 23, 1984, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Woodstock, GA
- Coordinates: 34.029415, -84.350006 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0294&lon=-84.3500&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6268
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84FA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6268/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA129

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER BREAKING GROUND DURING THE TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER & THE ACFT CAME BACK DOWN TO THE RWY. THE ENGINE REGAINED POWER & THE PLT CONTINUED THE TAKEOFF. THE ENGINE AGAIN LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT IMPACTED ON AN UNEVEN, GRASSY, OPEN AREA ABOUT 900 FT NORTH OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT RECEIVED A HEAD INJURY & WAS UNABLETO REMEMBER DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT. THE ACFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH SHOULDER HARNESSES. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE RIGHT TANK & THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4809S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4809S-1993-03-08), registration cancelled 1993-03-08, S/N 321193 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-1193
- Airframe hours: 3526
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lorri E. Mecham
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 8, 1983, 144 hours before
- Airport: Air Acres, runway 36, 2,200 × 65 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,498 total, 670 in this make and model, 1,344 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FTY, 22 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840323042509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840323042509A), Mar 23, 1984: Piper PA32260, Woodstock, GA, Substantial damage. Engine malfunction during takeoff caused crash along extended runway centerline. Water found in right fuel tank.

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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