# NTSB ATL89LA014: Rockwell 114, N4753W, Palma, KY, October 19, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 19, 1988, 17:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Palma, KY
- Coordinates: 37.02943, -88.350273 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0294&lon=-88.3503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7941
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7941/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA014

## 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, descent - normal
  - ignition system,magneto - other (cause)
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DESCENDING TO TRAFFIC PATTERN ALTITUDE. THE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT CRASHED IN A FIELD. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED AN INTERNAL MAGNETO TIMING OF 30 AND 27 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY. THE PRESCRIBED MAGNETO SETTING IS 25 DEGREES. THE BOTTOM SPARK PLUGS WERE WET WITH FUEL AFTER AN ENGINE RUN WAS COMPLETED. THE ENGINE WAS OVERHAULED ABOUT 165 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT. ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER THE OVERHAUL, PLATINUM TIP SPARK PLUGS WERE INSTALLED TO CORRECT A MAGNETO RPM DROP PROBLEM. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A ROUND BALE HAY HOLDER DURING THE LANDING ATTEMPT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4753W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4753W-1991-03-15), registration cancelled 1991-03-15, S/N 14083 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL 114
- Registry model: [Rockwell International 114](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-114) (registry code 7630314) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14083
- Airframe hours: 2260
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-T4A5D 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David L. Reid
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 30, 1988, 165 hours before
- Departed: PADUCAH, KY
- Destination: GILBERTVILLE, KY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,745 total, 341 in this make and model, 1,614 as pilot in command, 78 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PAH

## 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 19881019046719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881019046719A), Oct 19, 1988: Gulstm 114, Palma, KY, Destroyed. Engine quit shortly after takeoff. Hit a hay bailer and fence on forced landing. Magnetoes timed incorrectly.

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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