# NTSB CHI85LA297: Piper PA-22, N1487A, Iola, WI, July 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 13, 1985, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Iola, WI
- Coordinates: 44.500614, -89.120422 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5006&lon=-89.1204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Emergency descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/600) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13149
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA297
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13149/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA297

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, descent - emergency
  - ignition system,spark plug - leaded (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

UPON TAKEOFF AT APPROXIMATELY 100 FT AGL THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL POWER LOSS WHICH NECESSITATED A FORCED LANDING IN A SOFT, WET POTATO FIELD. THE PILOT HAD TIME TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS AND MAGNETOS PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN, BUT THE POWER LOSS REMAINED CONSTANT. UPON TOUCHDOWN THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED OVER ON ITS BACK. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE PRE- TAKEOFF ENGINE RUN-UP AND MAGNETO CHECK WAS NORMAL. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT 5 OF THE 8 SPARK PLUGS WERE LEAD FOWLED. THREE WERE COMPLETELY SHORTED OUT AND TWO SPARKED INTERMITTENTLY. TWO OF THE MALFUNCTIONING PLUGS WERE ON THE SAME CYLINDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1487A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1487A-2011-03-28), registration cancelled 2011-03-28, S/N 22-396, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22) (registry code 7102202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22396
- Airframe hours: 2969
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sheldon D. Stevens
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1985, 20 hours before
- Departed: 68C, IOLA, MN
- Destination: ANE, ANOKA, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 469 total, 284 in this make and model, 440 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 5 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 19850713050199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850713050199A), Jul 13, 1985: Piper PA22, Iola, WI, Destroyed. Engine lost power. Flipped over after landing in soft wet field. Five spark plugs lead fouled and shorted out.

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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