# NTSB ATL90LA046: Piper PA-38-112, N2443K, Selmer, TN, December 27, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 27, 1989, 08:20 local (14:20 UTC)
- Place: Selmer, TN
- Coordinates: 35.170425, -88.589561 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1704&lon=-88.5896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 26, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8195
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90LA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8195/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA046

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR TO PLACE THE ENGINE MIXTURE CONTROL IN THE RICH POSITION PRIOR TO BEGINNING TRAFFIC PATTERN MANEUVERS. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE QUIT BECAUSE OF THE LEAN FUEL MIXTURE AT THE HIGH POWER SETTING REQUIRED FOR THE GO-AROUND AND DOWNWIND LEG.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR & PRIVATE RATED STUDENT WERE PRACTICING TOUCH & GO LANDINGS. ON THE THIRD APPROACH, ABEAM THE NUMBERS ON DOWNWIND LEG, THE ENGINE QUIT. THE STUDENT WAS TOLD TO FLY TOWARD THE RUNWAY WHILE THE INSTRUCTOR TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT WITHOUT SUCCESS. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD. THE NOSE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED & ONE MAIN LANDING GEAR WAS TORN AWAY DURING THE LANDING ROLL. AN FAA INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE ENGINE LATER. HE REPORTED THAT THE SPARK PLUG ELECTRODES WERE WHITE IN COLOR. THE ENGINE WAS THEN OPERATED WITH A VERY LEAN MIXTURE SETTING. AFTERWARDS THE SPARK PLUG ELECTRODES HAD THE SAME WHITE COLORATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2443K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2443K-2014-09-22), registration cancelled 2014-09-22, S/N 38-79A0637, built 1979 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A0637
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bolivar Aviaiton Sales, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: M08, BOLIVAR, TN
- Airport: SZY, Sibley, runway 17, 4,300 × 75 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 520 total, 80 in this make and model, 351 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKL, 25 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 19891227053359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891227053359A), Dec 27, 1989: Piper PA38112, Selmer, TN, Substantial damage. Engine quit downwind for touch and go. Forced landing into trees. Inspection showed engine was operated too lean.

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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