# NTSB ATL85FLQ01: Piper PA-28-181, N8450K, Bowling Green, KY, September 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: September 27, 1985, 19:58 local (23:58 UTC)
- Place: Bowling Green, KY
- Coordinates: 37.06023, -86.460235 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0602&lon=-86.4602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6653
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FLQ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6653/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FLQ01

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A CORN FIELD FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR 5 MILES FROM THE DESTINATION ARPT. THE PLT REPORTED TO BOWLING GREEN FSS THAT HE WAS 'OUT OF GAS' AT AN ALT OF 3000 FT. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION DISCLOSED A TOTAL OF 24 OZS OF FUEL ON BOARD THE ACFT AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8450K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8450K-2005-08-17), registration cancelled 2005-08-17, S/N 28-8290042, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 288290042
- Airframe hours: 45
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Aero Flite,Inc.
- Registered owner: Aeroflite,Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1985
- Departed: SAV, SAVANAH, GA
- Destination: BWG, BOWLING GREEN, KY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 184 total, 25 in this make and model, 148 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BWG, 6 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 19850927069879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850927069879A), Sep 27, 1985: Piper PA28181, Bowling Green, KY, Substantial damage. Landed in cornfield after engine quit due to fuel exhaustion on crosscountry flight. Gear sheared, fuselage buckle.

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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