# NTSB CHI91LA237: Piper PA-28-140, N423FL, Manning, IA, July 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1991, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Manning, IA
- Coordinates: 41.899166, -95.060218 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8992&lon=-95.0602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15134
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA237
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15134/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA237

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER SELECTION OF FUEL TANKS AND IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT EMERGENCY PROCEDURE BY THE PILOT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - starvation
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT HE EXPERIENCED WING HEAVINESS FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER.  HE SAID THAT HE FAILED TO POSITION THE FUEL SELECTOR LEVER IN THE PROPER POSITION.  AN EMERGENCY LDG WAS ATTEMPTED IN A CORN FIELD WHICH RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL AIRFRAME DAMAGE.  THE FUEL SELECTOR LEVER WAS FOUND TO BE POSITIONED ON THE EMPTY TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N423FL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N423FL), registered now, S/N 28-7125204, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7125204
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Parmley Aviation Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: FOD, FT. DODGE, IA
- Destination: CBF, COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 93 total, 4 in this make and model, 47 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: OMA, 10 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 19910731038369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910731038369A), Jul 31, 1991: Piper PA28140, Manning, IA, Substantial damage. Lost power with heavy left wing,damaged firewall landing in cornfield. Fuel selector on empty right fuel tank.

## Other investigations on N423FL (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 CHI72DEI29](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI72DEI29), Jan 26, 1972: Piper PA-28 (N423FL), Swanton, OH, 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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