# NTSB ATL94LA159: Piper PA-25, N8819L, Columbia, NC, August 21, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 21, 1994, 11:05 local (15:05 UTC)
- Place: Columbia, NC
- Coordinates: 35.90974, -76.250434 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9097&lon=-76.2504&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 5, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3435
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL94LA159
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3435/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94LA159

## Probable cause

The failure of the aircraft carburetor that resulted in a total loss of engine power.

## 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, maneuvering
  - fuel system,carburetor - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING A SWATH RUN, THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN THE FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER DURING THE ROLL OUT, CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT A PIECE OF METAL IN THE CARBURETOR HAD BROKEN LOOSE FROM ITS WELD, AND JAMMED IN THE CARBURETOR CAUSING THE CARBURETOR TO FAIL.

## Factual narrative

On August 21, 1994, at 1105 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25, N8819L, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a forced landing near Columbia, North Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local aerial application flight. The flight departed a private airstrip in Columbia, North Carolina about 1100.

The pilot stated that during a maneuvering turn, the aircraft engine stopped producing power. He executed a forced landing into the field. After landing, the aircraft nosed over in the soft field causing substantial damage to the airplane.

Examination of the aircraft revealed that a piece of metal located in the carburetor air box had broken loose from it's weld, and jammed in the carburetor.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8819L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8819L-1997-12-30), registration cancelled 1997-12-30, S/N 255323 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-5323
- Airframe hours: 4989
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2C5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Aidoock, Clifton W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 7, 1994, 59 hours before
- Departed: NONE, NC
- Destination: NONE, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 866 total, 455 in this make and model, 763 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 47 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MQI, 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 19940821022459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940821022459A), Aug 21, 1994: Piper PA25235, Columbia, NC, Substantial damage. Lost power on swath run. Nosed over landing. Piece of metal in carburetor broke off at weld jammed carb failed.

## Other investigations on N8819L (1)

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.

- [NTSB ATL88DMG08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88DMG08), Aug 22, 1988: Piper PA-25-235 (N8819L), La Grange, NC, substantial damage

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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