# NTSB ATL86FLT05: Piper PA-14, N4276H, Memphis, TN, March 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: March 21, 1986, 06:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Memphis, TN
- Coordinates: 35.030269, -90.009788 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0303&lon=-90.0098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7003
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FLT05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7003/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FLT05

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi
  - starting procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - airport facility (contributing factor)
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN AIR COMPRESSOR AND A HANGAR DOOR DURING TAXI AFTER THE PLT HAND-PROPPED THE UNOCCUPIED ACFT. THE PTL SAID THAT THE THOUGHT THE 'SWITCHES WERE OFF'.HE WAS PULLING THE PROP TO 'LOOSEN' THE OIL WHEN THE ENG STARTED AND THE ACFT STARTED TO ROLL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4276H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4276H), registered now, S/N 1480, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-14
- Registry model: [Piper PA-14](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-14) (registry code 7101402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas Day Oates
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1986
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: MEM, Memphis

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,800 total, 520 in this make and model, 7 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19860321008599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860321008599A), Mar 21, 1986: Piper STCPA14, Memphis, TN, Substantial damage. Pulled propeller through to loosen starter, engine started. Hit a compressor. The ignition switch was on left mag.

## Other investigations on N4276H (2)

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.

- [NTSB ANC21LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA096), Sep 23, 2021: Piper PA-14 (N4276H), Chickaloon, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: A total loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB NYC68D0350](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC68D0350), Sep 2, 1967: Piper PA-14 (N4276H), Henderson, NY, substantial damage

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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