# NTSB ATL86LA205: Piper PA-28-160, N5041W, Dozier, AL, July 23, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1986, 21:45 local (Jul 23, 1986, 02:45 UTC)
- Place: Dozier, AL
- Coordinates: 31.499645, -86.370101 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4996&lon=-86.3701&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): 7155
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA205
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7155/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA205

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - fuel tank selector position - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, cruise - normal
  - improper initial training, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, other

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PLT AND HIS PAX WERE ON A NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY FLT WHEN HE RAN ONE FUEL TANK DRY AND THE ENG SPUTTERED. HE SWITCHED TO THE OTHER TANK AND THE ENG CAUGHT FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN QUIT. HE LET DOWN OVER A HEAVILY FORESTED AREA AND STALLED THE ACFT INTO THE TREES. AN INSPECTION OF THE ACFT AFTER THE CRASH REVEALED NO PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. LATER THE OWNER REPORTED THAT HE FOUND THE CRANKSHAFT OF THE ENG BROKEN BUT IT DID NOT SHOW DAMAGE THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT IT BROKE WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5041W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5041W-2012-09-06), registration cancelled 2012-09-06, S/N 28-43 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-160) (registry code 7102806) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-43
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: M & M Flying Services, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1986
- Departed: ANDALUSIA, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 94 total, 4 in this make and model, 68 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 36 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 19860722035579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860722035579A), Jul 22, 1986: Piper PA28160, Dozier, AL, Destroyed. The engine lost power and the aircraft struck trees on landing. Suspect fuel starvation due to undetermined causes.

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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