# NTSB ATL85FLT13: Piper PA-38-112, N2438C, Springfield, TN, September 26, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1985, 10:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Springfield, TN
- Coordinates: 36.489143, -86.870216 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4891&lon=-86.8702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6664
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FLT13
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6664/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FLT13

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,carburetor - failure,partial (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - blocked(total) (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED AFTER CONTACTING THRES DURING A LANDING FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR ON TAKEOFF. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE CARBURETOR VALVE ASS'Y HAD SEPARATED FROM THE LEVER ASS'Y ALLOWING THE VALVE TO SEAT FLAT AGAINST THE CARBURETOR THUS BLOCKING THE AIRFLOW. THE THREE SCREWS WHICH SECURE THE VALVE ASS'Y, P/N 77671-09, TO THE LEVER, P/N 77671-10, WERE MISSING AND THE SPOT WELDED SAFETY BAR WAS BROKEN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2438C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2438C-2012-10-19), registration cancelled 2012-10-19, S/N 38-79A0185, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3879A0185
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Robert W. Skinner
- Registered owner: Williams Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1985, 75 hours before
- Airport: M91, Springfield

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 397 total, 8 in this make and model, 345 as pilot in command, 99 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 8 knots, gusting 14
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BNA

## 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 19850926049829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850926049829A), Sep 26, 1985: Piper PA38112, Springfield, TN, Substantial damage. Lost power after takeoff. Struck tree top landing in a field. Valve assembly in air box separated, blocking air.

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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