# NTSB CEN23LA145: Piper PA32, N56793, Lincoln, IL, March 30, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: March 29, 2023, 19:15 local (Mar 30, 2023, 00:15 UTC) - Place: Lincoln, IL · Field between a parking lot and a road. - Coordinates: 40.147925, -89.344573 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1479&lon=-89.3446&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Lycoming Engines, Piper Aircraft, Hartzell Propeller, FAA Springfield FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 106985 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN23LA145 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/106985/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106985 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA145 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power during an approach for landing for undetermined reasons. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-32-260, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=7103206), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-32-260, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md?model=7103206), [All aircraft, 1,703 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Piper PA-32-260, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=7103206), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Landing: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-32-260, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7103206), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Piper PA-32-260, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=7103206), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot and the flight instructor departed for the local area flight to conduct instrument training. After completion of the instrument training, the pilot, acting as the pilot-in-command, performed takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that he activated the carburetor heat before turning onto final approach. While on the final approach, the airplane sustained a total loss of engine power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a parking lot. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. While the airplane was likely operating in an area conducive to the formation of carburetor icing (for glide and cruise power) and serious carburetor icing (for glide power), the pilot reported he had previously activated the carburetor heat. The pilot reported that all four fuel tanks were full before the flight. Both wing fuel tanks were breached from the accident sequence, no fuel was able to be recovered, and the fuel amount onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined. At the accident site, the fuel tank selector was found positioned between the left tip tank and the left main tank positions. However, it could not be determined if the selector was possibly moved into this position while in flight or if the selector was possibly moved into this position after the impact. The reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On March 29, 2023, about 1915 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260 airplane, N56793, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Lincoln, Illinois. The private pilot and the flight instructor sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Before the local area flight, the pilot “completely filled” all four fuel tanks with 100 low lead fuel. The purpose of the flight was to conduct instrument flight training in visual meteorological conditions with the flight instructor. A review of automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast data showed that the airplane departed from the Logan County Airport (AAA), Lincoln, Illinois, about 1823. The airplane departed to the east of the airport, where it performed the training. Once the training was completed, the airplane flew back to the airport, where the private pilot, now acting as the pilot-in-command, performed takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that he activated the carburetor heat before turning onto final approach for runway 3. While on final approach, the pilot attempted to add power, and the engine did not respond. The airplane continued to descend, and the pilot had no further recollection after that point. The flight instructor, who was a passenger at the time, confirmed the total loss of engine power and reported that the pilot performed a forced landing. The airplane impacted a church parking lot and came to rest upright against a garden structure. The airplane came to rest about 1/2 mile to the southwest of the approach end for runway 3. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Both wing fuel tanks were breached from the accident sequence, no fuel was able to be recovered, and the fuel amount onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined. At the accident site, the fuel tank selector was found positioned between the left tip tank and the left main tank positions. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of meteorological data showed that the airplane was likely operating in an area conducive to the formation of carburetor icing (for glide and cruise power) and serious carburetor icing (for glide power). ## Aircraft - Registration: [N56793](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N56793), registered now, S/N 32-7400009, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA32 (260) - Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32-7400009 - Year built: 1974 - Airframe hours: 4415.68 - Engines: Lycoming Engines O-540-E3B5 250 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, February 7, 2023, 1.57 hours before - Equipment: Stall warning system, Handheld GPS, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Auto-pilot, ADS-B ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 3, 2022; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 186 total, 102.4 in this make and model, 147.9 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 30° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.23 inHg - Observed at: KAAA, 1 nm away - METAR: KAAA 300015Z AUTO 03005KT 10SM CLR 07/M02 A3023 RMK AO2 T00721018 ## 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 20230329003109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230329003109A), Mar 29, 2023: Piper PA-32-260, Lincoln, IL, Substantial damage. Narrative: Aircraft was flown prior to accident for 64 minutes per data retrieved from flightaware. Com. The aircraft had been performing maneuvers to the east… ## Docket (12 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 28, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106985. 38.0 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16081729&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=N56793%20NTSB%20Form%206120_1%20Redacted-Rel.pdf - Accident photographs (item 2, PDF, 14 pages, 4.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16207630&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Photographs-Rel.pdf - Additional statements (item 3, PDF, 5 pages, 229 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16189516&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Additional%20Statements%20Redacted-Rel.pdf - NTSB - examination report (item 4, PDF, 8 pages, 174 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16217676&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20-%20Examination%20Report-Rel.pdf - Hartzell propeller - examination report (item 5, PDF, 9 pages, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16196482&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Hartzell%20Propeller%20-%20Examination%20Report%20Redacted-Rel.pdf - Various records (item 6, PDF, 5 pages, 12.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16196809&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Various%20Records%20Redacted-Rel.pdf - Carburetor icing probability graph (item 7, PDF, 1 page, 336 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16082654&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN23LA145%20Carburetor%20Icing%20Probability%20Graph-Rel.pdf - N56793 ADS-B data (google earth .kmz file) (item 8, KMZ, 258 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16083012&FileExtension=kmz&FileName=20230329_A7449A_511422740_ADSB-Rel.kmz - N56793 ADS-B data (microsoft exel .csv file) (item 9, CSV, 11.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16082529&FileExtension=csv&FileName=20230329_A7449A_511422740_ADSB-Rel.csv - Piper aircraft - Piper PA-32-260 pilot's operating manual excerpts (item 10, PDF, 3 pages, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16082539&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Piper%20Aircraft%20-%20Piper%20PA-32-260%20Pilot%27s%20Operating%20Manual%20Excerpts-Rel.pdf - NTSB party member forms (item 11, PDF, 3 pages, 963 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16081521&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Party%20Member%20Forms%20Redacted-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 12, PDF, 2 pages, 517 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16081531&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Wreckage%20Release%20Form%20Redacted-Rel.pdf 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.