# NTSB BFO87LA064: Piper PA-28-140, N5515U, Clinton, MD, September 11, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 10, 1987, 20:00 local (Sep 11, 1987, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Clinton, MD
- Coordinates: 38.760833, -76.889854 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7608&lon=-76.8899&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 April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11339
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO87LA064
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11339/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87LA064

## 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
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF WITH THE AIRCRAFT OVER THE END OF THE RUNWAY, POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PILOT LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD IN A FIELD AND NOSED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES. THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND OPERATED WITHIN NORMAL OPERATING LIMITS. THE AIRCRAFT WAS FUELED WITH AUTOGAS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5515U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5515U-2013-09-16), registration cancelled 2013-09-16, S/N 28-26227, built 1969 (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: 2826227
- Airframe hours: 4390
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James Bach
- Registered owner: James R Bach
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, October 1, 1986
- Departed: W32
- Airport: W32, Hyde Field, runway 5, 2,820 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 244 total, 244 in this make and model, 195 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19870910050939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870910050939A), Sep 10, 1987: Piper PA28140, Clinton, MD, Substantial damage. Lost power on initial climbout. Landed straight ahead. Nose over. Engine restarted. Ran normal. Using auto gas.

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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