# NTSB CEN24LA104: Piper PA24, N4284, Cherokee, OK, February 2, 2024

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report
- Date: February 2, 2024, 10:42 local (16:42 UTC)
- Place: Cherokee, OK · runway excursion
- Coordinates: 36.788308, -98.358431 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7883&lon=-98.3584&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Maneuvering: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: Lycoming Engines, FAA Flight Standards
- NTSB case key (mKey): 193741
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN24LA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/193741/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=193741
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA104

## Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the presence of ground fog, which hindered the landing approach and resulted in the pilot inadvertently landing long and impacting a fence during the attempted go-around.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md)
- [Ceiling/visibility/precip: fog](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 78 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035055/cases.md)
- [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=7102406), [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.

- [Maneuvering: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 1,703 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md)
- [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md)
- [Approach-VFR go-around: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-260, 24 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102406), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that the engine “began running very rough” while the airplane was in cruise flight about 2,500 feet mean sea level (msl). His efforts to determine the cause of the partial power loss and restore full engine power were not successful. The airport was covered in ground fog, which hindered the approach. He inadvertently landed long and attempted to execute a go-around; however, the airplane did not have sufficient power to climb and went off the end of the runway. Ground-based video depicted the airplane flying over as it neared the airport. The accompanying audio confirmed a rough running engine. Data recovered from an onboard engine monitor appeared to be stable until about 4 minutes before the accident when several cylinder exhaust gas temperatures decreased abruptly. The fuel flow and fuel pressure parameters remained stable during this time. A postrecovery engine examination was unable to identify the cause of the partial loss of engine power. Although the audio that accompanied the witness video suggested an issue with the ignition system, the postrecovery examination was unable to identify any preaccident anomalies.

## Factual narrative

On February 2, 2024, about 1042 central standard time, a Piper PA-24-260 airplane, N4284, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cherokee, Oklahoma. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the engine “began running very rough” while in cruise flight about 2,500 feet msl. He advanced the mixture, propeller, and throttle controls full forward in an attempt to increase engine power. In addition, the pilot selected the left and right magnetos individually in an attempt to isolate an ignition system problem. However, the engine problems did not disappear during either magneto check. The fuel quantity and fuel selector position were confirmed. The pilot’s efforts to determine the cause of the partial power loss and restore full engine power were not successful. He diverted to the nearest airport; however, it was covered in ground fog, which hindered the approach. He inadvertently landed long and attempted to execute a go-around; however, the airplane did not have sufficient power to climb. The airplane went off the end of the runway, struck the airport perimeter fence, crossed a road, and impacted a second fence before coming to rest. The airframe sustained damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. Ground-based video depicted the airplane flying over as it neared the airport. The accompanying audio confirmed a rough running engine. ADS-B data depicted the airplane on a southerly course about 2,254 ft msl and 3 1/2 miles southeast of the Cherokee Municipal Airport (4O5). About 1138:20, the pilot turned right on a direct course for 4O5. The pilot subsequently entered a modified left downwind before turning final for runway 17. The final ADS-B data point was recorded at 1142:17. The airplane was over runway 17, about 1,014 ft from the departure end of the runway pavement, at an altitude of about 1,180 ft msl. The runway 17 and runway 35 arrival threshold elevations were 1,178 ft and 1,179 ft, respectively. Data recovered from an onboard engine monitor appeared to be stable until about 1038 when the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) corresponding to cylinder Nos.. 4, 5, and 6 decreased abruptly. The EGT for cylinders Nos.1 and 3 decreased but to a lesser extent. The EGT for cylinder No. 2 remained stable. The fuel flow and fuel pressure parameters remained stable until 1042. A postrecovery engine examination was unable to identify the cause of the partial loss of engine power. Internal engine and valvetrain continuity were confirmed. The spark plugs displayed normal combustion signatures. The magnetos were secure, and timing was determined to be approximately 25° before top dead center, which corresponded to the timing specified for the engine. A spark was observed across each ignition lead when the engine crankshaft was rotated. Fuel system continuity was confirmed, and the engine-driven fuel pump was operational.Engine control continuity was confirmed.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4284](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4284), registered now, S/N 24-4284, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA24 (260)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-260) (registry code 7102406) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-D4A5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-d4a5) (registry code 41798, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-4284
- Year built: 1965
- Airframe hours: 6770.4
- Engines: Lycoming IO-540-D4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 7, 2023, 48.3 hours before
- Departed: WDG, Enid, OK
- Destination: WDG, Enid, OK
- Airport: 4O5, Cherokee Municipal, runway 17, 3,770 × 60 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display, Onboard weather, ADS-B, Stall warning system

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; injuries: none; flight instructor, military, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 6, 2023; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 6,610 total, 113 in this make and model, 5,079 as pilot in command, 122 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.77 inHg
- Observed at: KWDG, 36 nm away
- METAR: METAR KWDG 021650Z 16009KT 10SM FEW050 BKN200 15/13 A2977

## 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 20240202001519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240202001519A), Feb 2, 2024: Piper PA-24-260, Cherokee, OK, Substantial damage. Part 91 day VFR flight. Pilot reported in flight engine malfunction leading to partial engine failure, rough running engine. Pilot advanced mixture, propeller,…

## Docket (15 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 7, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=193741. 75.2 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 4.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16724744&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Report%20--%20CEN24LA104_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Ground-based witness video (item 2, MOV, 30.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17246948&FileExtension=MOV&FileName=Witness%20Video%20Footage%20--%20CEN24LA104-Rel.MOV
- ADS-B data file (item 3, CSV, 4.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17312526&FileExtension=csv&FileName=ADSB%20Data%20File%20--%20CEN24LA104-Rel.csv
- Airplane examination summary (item 4, PDF, 4 pages, 116 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17313330&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Examination%20Summary%20--%20CEN24LA104-Rel.pdf
- Conversation summary -- mechanic (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 68 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17246918&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Conversation%20Summary%20--%20CEN24LA104%20(Mechanic)-Rel.pdf
- Investigation photos (item 6, PDF, 5 pages, 755 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17252302&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigation%20Photos%20--%20CEN24LA104-Rel.pdf
- Engine data monitor - specialist's factual report (item 7, PDF, 9 pages, 4 photos, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17131392&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Engine%20Data%20Monitor%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report-Rel.pdf
- Engine data monitor - specialist's factual report - ATTACHMENT1 - jpi tabular data (item 8, CSV, 73 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17131894&FileExtension=csv&FileName=Engine%20Data%20Monitor%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report%20-%20Attachment1%20-%20Tabular%20Data-Rel.csv
- Engine data monitor - specialist's factual report - ATTACHMENT2 - ADS-B tabular data (item 9, CSV, 418 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17132070&FileExtension=csv&FileName=Engine%20Data%20Monitor%20-%20Specialist%27s%20Factual%20Report%20-%20Attachment2%20-%20Tabular%20Data-Rel.csv
- Maintenance records -- airframe (item 10, PDF, 11 pages, 13.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17247789&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20-%20Airframe_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Maintenance records -- engine (item 11, PDF, 12 pages, 14.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17247411&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20-%20Engine_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Maintenance records -- propeller (item 12, PDF, 5 pages, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16725253&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20-%20Propeller_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Maintenance records -- AD compliance (item 13, PDF, 3 pages, 173 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16724963&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20-%20AD%20Compliance-Rel.pdf
- Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 14, PDF, 1 page, 221 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17247401&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Party%20Form%20--%20CEN24LA104_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 15, PDF, 2 pages, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17247271&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Release%20of%20Wreckage%20--%20CEN24LA104_redacted-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.

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