# NTSB BFO89LA038: Piper PA-22-150, N7653D, Cumberland, MD, October 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 1988, 13:50 local (17:50 UTC)
- Place: Cumberland, MD
- Coordinates: 39.650348, -78.760765 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6503&lon=-78.7608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11502
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO89LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11502/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA038

## 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 - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALTITUDE OF APRX 150 FT AGL, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND LOST POWER. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. DURING THE TURN THE WINGTIP CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED. THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT REPORTED FOR 7 MONTHS. A MECHANIC WHO PURCHASED THE ENGINE FROM THE PILOT/OWNER STATED THAT THERE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE OR ITS COMPONENTS. THE PILOTS RECOMMENDATION ON HOW THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED WAS TO USE MORE CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE ENGINE RUN-UP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7653D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7653D-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 22-5363, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 225363
- Airframe hours: 3315
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert D. Roller
- Registered owner: Robert D Roller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 20, 1987, 74 hours before
- Airport: 1W3, Mexico Farms, runway 28, 2,180 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 860 total, 129 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 75 °F

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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