# NTSB CHI84LA338: Piper PA-28-160, N5086W, Palmyra, WI, August 4, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 4, 1984, 11:27 local (16:27 UTC)
- Place: Palmyra, WI
- Coordinates: 42.870098, -88.579917 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8701&lon=-88.5799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12732
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA338
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12732/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA338

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - loss,partial (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance - poor, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE ON A PERSONAL FLT THE ENG AND AIRFRAME BEGAN TO VIBRATE SEVERELY. THE PLT CLOSED THE THROTTLE AND TURNED EASTWARD TO LAND IN A MINT FIELD. AS HE APPROACHED THE FIELD HE APPLIED POWER TO CLEAR A ROW OF SMALL HOUSES, BUT DURING THIS MANEUVER STRUCK A UTILITY POLE WITH THE RT WING. THE PASSENGERS RELATED THAT THE POLE WAS ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE HOUSES AND NOT SEEN BY ANYONE ON BOARD UNTIL JUST BEFORE IMPACT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT ABOUT 6 INCHES OF ONE PROPELLER TIP WAS MISSING. EXAMINATION OF THE PROPELLER REVEALED EXISTING NICKS AND ROUGH FILE WORK ON PREVIOUS NICKS. A FATIGUE FAILURE ORIGINATED FROM ONE OF THE NICKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5086W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5086W-1991-09-06), registration cancelled 1991-09-06, S/N 2895 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-160) (registry code 7102806) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-95
- Airframe hours: 3067
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gordon Marty & Richard Sauter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 4, 1983, 27 hours before
- Departed: 88C, PALMYRA, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 189 total, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 81 °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 19840804037889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840804037889A), Aug 4, 1984: Piper PA28160, Palmyra, WI, Destroyed. Severe vibration. Closed throttle and tried for a open field. Wing struck a utility pole. 6 inch of prop broke off.

## Other investigations on N5086W (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI73FEE16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73FEE16), Aug 12, 1972: Piper PA-28 (N5086W), Lake Zurich, IL, substantial damage

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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