# NTSB ATL84LA027: Piper J5A, N35280, Arlington, TN, October 22, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 21, 1983, 23:30 local (Oct 22, 1983, 04:30 UTC)
- Place: Arlington, TN
- Coordinates: 35.280403, -89.660636 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2804&lon=-89.6606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6375
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6375/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA027

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO BOTH OCCUPANTS, THE ENG LOST POWER DURING TAKEOFF AT NIGHT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT HIT A FENCE & METAL POLE DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND. THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT, A FEMALE PLT, WHO CLAIMED TO BE THE PLT-IN-COMMAND, SUSPECTED CARBURETOR ICE. THE TEMP & DEW POINT WERE 71 & 68 DEG. ACCORDING TO ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS, SERIOUS CARBURETOR ICING WAS PROBABLE AT GLIDE POWER & VISIBLE ICING WAS PROBABLE AT RATED POWER. THE FRONT SEAT PLT HAD HAD HIS PLT'S CERTIFICATE REVOKED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N35280](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N35280), registered now, S/N 5-598, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J5A
- Registry model: [Piper J5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j5a) (registry code 7100702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5-598
- Airframe hours: 1370
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Buck & Emmy Lou Enterprises
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 6, 1983, 25 hours before
- Destination: M0I, MEMPHIS, TN
- Airport: runway 15, 3,800 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 6,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 240° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 20 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 19831021056789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831021056789A), Oct 21, 1983: Piper J5A, Arlington, TN, Substantial damage. Struck a post and fence on takeoff. Dark night and IMC. Conflict as to who was the pilot. Alcohol involvement.

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

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