# NTSB ATL86LA008: Piper PA-28-201T, N2854S, Chattanooga, TN, October 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 19, 1985, 10:54 local (14:54 UTC)
- Place: Chattanooga, TN
- Coordinates: 35.099391, -85.180839 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0994&lon=-85.1808&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): 7025
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7025/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA008

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT LOST TOTAL POWER DURING TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB AND ATTEMPTED AN FORCED LANDING IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. DURING THE LANDING ATTEMPT THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE AND SLID INVERTED APPROXIMATELY 250 FT BEFORE COMING TO REST. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED THAT THE NUMBER 1 CONNECTING ROD BROKE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER.

## 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
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - fatigue (cause)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2854S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2854S-2012-09-24), registration cancelled 2012-09-24, S/N 28-7921066, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-201T
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-201T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-201t) (registry code 7102819) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7921066
- Airframe hours: 619
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360-FB8 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kenneth H.Turner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 26, 1985, 19 hours before
- Departed: CHA, CHATTANOGA, TN
- Destination: BHM, BIRMINGHAM, AL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: CHA, Lovell Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 165 total, 119 in this make and model, 117 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHA, 1 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 19851019052699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851019052699A), Oct 19, 1985: Piper PA28201T, Chattanooga, TN, Destroyed. Piston connecting rod failed. Landed on access road. Hit post and trees. 43 other rods made by same vendor failed.

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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