# NTSB ATL89FA025: Piper PA-38-112, N2407L, Mc Donough, GA, November 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 5, 1988, 12:49 local (17:49 UTC)
- Place: Mc Donough, GA
- Coordinates: 33.450798, -84.140342 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4508&lon=-84.1403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7861
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89FA025
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7861/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA025

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE FLIGHT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD BUT CRASHED SHORT. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE PILOT WAS NOT CERTIFICATED AS AN AIRMAN AND HE DID NOT HAVE THE PERMISSION OF THE OWNER TO FLY THE AIRPLANE. THE INVESTIGATION ALSO FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRPLANE. HOWEVER, NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE AIRPLANE FUEL SYSTEM NOR FUEL SPILLAGE AROUND THE WRECKAGE. THE PILOT DID NOT REFUEL BEFORE THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT DID NOT SUBMIT AN ACCIDENT REPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2407L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2407L-1989-07-12), registration cancelled 1989-07-12, S/N 3879A0695 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A0695
- Airframe hours: 1934
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Douglas T. Warner
- Registered owner: Doug Warner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 3, 1987, 17 hours before
- Departed: STOCKBRIDGE, GA
- Airport: Berry Hill, runway 29, 3,000 × 40 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F

## 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 19881105049469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881105049469A), Nov 5, 1988: Piper PA38112, Mc Donough, GA, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel. Aircraft stalled and crashed trying to land. No pilot license or medical. Had passenger.

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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