# NTSB CHI85LA257: Piper PA-28-181, N9459K, Oxford, OH, June 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1985, 23:35 local (Jun 28, 1985, 03:35 UTC)
- Place: Oxford, OH
- Coordinates: 39.500621, -84.739707 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5006&lon=-84.7397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13114
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA257
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13114/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA257

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total (cause)
  - electrical system,battery - exhaustion (cause)
  - comm/nav equipment - disabled (contributing factor)
  - landing light(s) - disabled (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing light(s) - disabled (contributing factor)
  - qualification, pilot in command (cause)
  - instrument light(s) - disabled (contributing factor)
  - lack of experience, pilot in command (cause)
  - comm/nav equipment - disabled (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - unavailable (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON A ROUND-ROBIN FLIGHT AT NIGHT THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE. AS HE WAS RETURNING TO HIS POINT OF ORIGIN THE BATTERY POWER DEPLETED LEAVING HIM WITH NO RADIOS OR LANDING LIGHT AND ONLY A FLASHLIGHT FOR COCKPIT LIGHTING. HE DECIDED TO LAND AT THE CLOSEST AVAILABLE AIRPORT BUT AS HE WAS ON SHORT FINAL THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WENT OUT. HE COULDN'T TURN THEM BACK ON DUE TO HIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. HE PERFORMED A GO-AROUND BUT BOUNCED OFF THE RUNWAY INTO TWO FENCES ON HIS SUBSEQUENT LANDING. A POST-ACCIDENT MAINT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED A BROKEN FIELD WIRE ON THE ALTERNATOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9459K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9459K-2013-02-01), registration cancelled 2013-02-01, S/N 28-7690252, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7690252
- Airframe hours: 3141
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Sturgeon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 19, 1984, 203 hours before
- Departed: RID, RICHMOND, IN
- Destination: RID, RICHMOND, IN
- Airport: OXD, Miami Univ. Airport, runway 22, 3,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 86 total, 42 in this make and model, 48 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 45° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19850627028729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850627028729A), Jun 27, 1985: Piper PA28181, Oxford, OH, Substantial damage. Broken field wire of alternator caused electrical failure. Ran off side of unlit runway after touchdown.

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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