# NTSB ATL94LA037: Piper PA-28-151, N14CL, Jasper, AL, January 9, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 9, 1994, 13:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Jasper, AL
- Coordinates: 33.819469, -87.290702 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8195&lon=-87.2907&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 November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3338
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL94LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3338/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94LA037

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AT APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AGL AND COLLIDED WITH TREES OFF OF THE AIRPORT. ONE WITNESS STATED THAT A PUFF OF BLUE SMOKE EMANATED FROM THE EXHAUST. THE PILOT REPORTED WHAT HE BELIEVED TO BE A FOULED PLUG WHICH CORRECTED ITSELF DURING ENGINE RUNUP. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Factual narrative

On January 9, 1994, at about 1330 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-151, N14CL, collided with trees during takeoff from Jasper, Alabama. The aircraft was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR part 91 and visual flight rules. A VFR flight plan had been filed for a cross-country flight to Huntsville, Alabama. The pilot had minor injuries, while the aircraft was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported what he believed to be a fouled spark plug which corrected itself during a normal engine run-up. Immediately following a normal takeoff roll and rotation, the aircraft lost power at approximately 200 feet AGL. One witness indicated that a puff of blue smoke emanated from the aircraft's exhaust immediately after power loss. On impact, the aircraft rotated 180 degrees and settled in the trees.

No malfunctions were found during an examination of the aircraft's engine. The engine's magnetos and leads to the spark plugs were tested and found operable. The induction system and air filter were found clear of foreign debris. The spark plugs were clean and of normal coloration in accordance with a spark plug test chart. Fuel in the aircraft was blue in color and free from water contamination. The carburetor was inspected and found to be in good operating condition. Compression tests on the engine revealed that compression ranged from 75-80/80 psi and all valves demonstrated freedom of movement.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N14CL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N14CL-1995-09-21), registration cancelled 1995-09-21, S/N 287615149 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-151
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7615149
- Airframe hours: 1680
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert H Beeble.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1993, 68 hours before
- Destination: M82, HUNTSVILLE, AL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: L02, Walker County, runway 9, 4,813 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 314 total, 141 in this make and model, 252 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HSV, 56 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 19940109000239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940109000239A), Jan 9, 1994: Piper PA28151, Jasper, AL, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Landed in trees. No engine defects found.

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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