# NTSB ATL87FA212: Piper PA-28, N5502F, Elberton, GA, July 15, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1987, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Elberton, GA
- Coordinates: 34.099407, -82.86016 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0994&lon=-82.8602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7309
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87FA212
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7309/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87FA212

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT NOTED A PROGRESSIVE LOSS OF PWR THAT BEGAN DRG THE CLIMB TO CRUISE. HE DIVERTED BACK TOWARD THE DEP ARPT & ATMTDTO RESTORE PWR BY ACTIVATING THE BOOST PUMP, MOVING THE MIXTURE TO FULL RICH, SWITCHING FUEL TANKS & APPLYING CARB HEAT.HOWEVER, THE ENG CONTD TO LOSE PWR. AS HE MANEUVERED THE ACFT ONTO A SHORT FINAL APCH, THE ENG LOST ALL PWR & THE ACFT CRASH LNDD SHORT OF THE RWY IN A SWAMP. A POST-CRASH EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE. SVRL OUNCES OF WATER & SEDIMENT WERE FND IN THE CARB BOWL; HOWEVER, DRG THE CRASH &/OR RECOVERY OF THE ACFT, THE FUEL LINES BROKE & THE ENG BECAME NEARLY COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN WATER. SVRL SPARK PLUGS WERE SLIGHTLY FOULED WITH BLACK, SOOTY CARBON DEPOSITS. THE ACFT WAS STC'D TO OPER ON AUTO-FUEL & WAS SVCD WITH 89 OCTANE REGULAR FUEL. THE CARB WAS EQUIPPED WITH A COMPOSITE FLOAT, WHICH HAD EVIDENCE OF MINOR DETERIORATION; HOWEVER, DRG A FLOW CHECK, THE CARB FUNCTIONED PROPERLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5502F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5502F-2013-04-18), registration cancelled 2013-04-18, S/N 28-24840, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-24840
- Airframe hours: 2301
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Muriel D. Comolli
- Registered owner: Muriel D Comolli
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 13, 1987, 37 hours before
- Destination: DNL, AUGUSTA, GA
- Airport: 27A, Elbert County-Patz Fld, runway 10, 3,400 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 100 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AHN, 27 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 19870715038479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870715038479A), Jul 15, 1987: Piper STCPA28, Elberton, GA, Substantial damage. Lost engine power on climb to cruise. Returned to field. Crashed short of runway in a swampy area. Water in carb bowl

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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