# NTSB ATL89LA209: Piper PA-28-140, N4386J, Rowland, NC, September 8, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1989, 19:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Rowland, NC
- Coordinates: 34.529716, -79.289733 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5297&lon=-79.2897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8063
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA209
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8063/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA209

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE AND PREVENT CARBURETOR ICING PRIOR TO TAKE OFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

AFTER A NORMAL PRE FLIGHT INSPECTION, ENGINE START, ENGINE RUN UP, AND TAKE OFF FROM RUNWAY 4 THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE RPM, SLOWLY. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS, THE ENGINE OIL AND FUEL PRESSURE WAS NORMAL, AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS ON. THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK FOR THE AIRPLANE EMPHASIZES ENSURING THAT CARBURETOR ICE HAS NOT BUILT UP DURING THE TAXI FOR TAKE OFF. ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS INDICATE THAT THE ICING PROBABILITY AT GLIDE POWER WAS SERIOUS. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 80 DEGREES, DEW POINT WAS 68 DEGREES, AND THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY WAS ABOUT 68%.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4386J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4386J), registered now, S/N 28-22774 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- 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: 28-22774
- Airframe hours: 6695
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Evans, John W.
- Registered owner: Evans, John Wesley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 7, 1989, 80 hours before
- Airport: Davis

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,700 total, 100 in this make and model, 4,600 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAY, 30 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 19890908034239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890908034239A), Sep 8, 1989: Piper PA28140, Rowland, NC, Substantial damage. Engine died on climbout from Private strip. Hit a ditch landing off airport. Carburetor icing conditions the factor

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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