# NTSB ATL86FA037: Piper PA-28-181, N5388F, Clover, SC, December 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 7, 1985, 10:12 local (15:12 UTC)
- Place: Clover, SC
- Coordinates: 35.109188, -81.219802 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1092&lon=-81.2198&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6912
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6912/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA037

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - maintenance,overhaul - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - engine assembly,crankshaft - loose (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - open field
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE FAILURE DURING CRUISE FLIGHT AND ATTEMPTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FIELD. DURING LANDING ROLL THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH SMALL TREES ON THE FAR END OF THE FIELD. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED THAT THE BOLT WHICH HELD THE CRANKSHAFT DRIVE GEAR IN PLACE WAS LOOSE, ALLOWING THE DRIVE GEAR  TO ROTATE AND BREAK THE DOWEL PIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5388F (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287790106
- Airframe hours: 2044
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Melvin D. Mcintosh
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 15, 1985, 7 hours before
- Departed: CLT, CHARLOTTE, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 18; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 58 total, 4 in this make and model, 24 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CLT, 5 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 19851207061129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851207061129A), Dec 7, 1985: Piper PA28181, Clover, SC, Substantial damage. Pop was heard as engine lost power. Struck trees at the end of a field. Crankshaft gear dowel pin was broken.

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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