# NTSB CHI84LA046: Piper PA-28-180, N15255, Northfield, MN, November 18, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 17, 1983, 19:15 local (Nov 18, 1983, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Northfield, MN
- Coordinates: 44.449737, -93.160438 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4497&lon=-93.1604&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12497
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12497/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA046

## 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, cruise - normal
  - ignition system,magneto - disintegrated (cause)
  - electrical system - improper, manufacturer (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT WHILE ENROUTE AT AN ALT OF 3000 FT MSL THE ENG FAILED. HE ALSO STATED THAT ALL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENG FAILED SO HE PROCEEDED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING. INVESTIGATION REVEALED A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE LEFT MAGNETO; THE BODY ASSEMBLY LEG DEMENSION WAS FOUND TO BE .610 THOUSANDTHS, THE REQUIRED LENGTH IS .750 THOUSANDTHS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N15255 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-73050
- Airframe hours: 2425
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Win-Air Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 9, 1983
- Departed: ONA, WINNONA, MN
- Destination: MSP, MINNEALOLIS, MN
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 380 total, 250 in this make and model, 221 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 140° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSP, 28 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 19831117059939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831117059939A), Nov 17, 1983: Piper PA28180, Northfield, MN, Destroyed. Crash occurred during emergency landing after engine quit because of magneto failure.

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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