# NTSB CHI86LA107: Navion H, N25342, Columbus, IN, March 23, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 23, 1986, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Columbus, IN
- Location: 39.2619° N, 85.8963° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at COLUMBUS MUNI (BAK), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2619&lon=-85.8963&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13437
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13437/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA107

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING A SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF WHEN AT 30 TO 40 FEET THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND QUIT, THE AIRCRAFT SUBSEQUENTLY LANDED HARD DAMAGING THE RIGHT LANDING GEAR BOX AND FUSELAGE BEHIND THE RIGHT WING. THE PILOT SAID HE MAY HAVE TAKEN OFF ON THE TIP TANKS BUT HE THOUGHT HE WAS ON THE MAINS. INSPECTION REVEALED THE TIP TANKS TO BE NEARLY EMPTY. THE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY WHEN TESTED. LATER THE PILOT SAID HE FOUND A SMALL AMOUNT OF 'BROWN WATER' IN THE FUEL WHEN HE DRAINED THE TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N25342 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: NAVION H
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: NAV4-2534
- Airframe hours: 4679
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-BA 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Monte K. Gainey
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: 5I1, GREENWOOD, IN
- Airport: BAK, Columbus Municipal, runway 22, 6,425 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 601 total, 50 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BAK

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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