# NTSB CHI91LA272: Piper PA-28-151, N8479F, Freeburg, IL, August 23, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1991, 18:25 local (23:25 UTC)
- Place: Freeburg, IL
- Coordinates: 38.419582, -89.901 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4196&lon=-89.9010&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15166
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA272
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15166/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA272

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL BY THE PIC/CFI.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS INADEQUATE FRICTION ON THE MIXTURE CONTROL LEVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - mixture control friction lock - inadequate (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - sign

## Analysis

THE CFI SAID THAT WHILE PRACTICING MINIMUM CONTROLLABLE FLIGHT AND STALLS DURING A DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE PROPELLER CEASED TO TURN.  THE MIXTURE CONTROL WAS PUSHED TO FULL RICH, BUT A RESTART WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A RURAL ROAD WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A ROAD SIGN. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS OR FUEL SUPPLY SHORTAGE.  A LOOSE FRICTION CONTROL LEVER WAS FOUND WHICH FAILED TO LOCK THE QUADRANT LEVERS IN PLACE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8479F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8479F), registered now, S/N 28-7715270, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-151
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7715270
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Scott Afb Aero Club
- Departed: BLV, SCOTT AFB, IL
- Flight plan: Military VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,322 total, 205 in this make and model, 1,111 as pilot in command, 51 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 1 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: BLV, 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 19910823040149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910823040149A), Aug 23, 1991: Piper PA28151, Freeburg, IL, Substantial damage. Engine quit on practice slow flight,landed on a road and struck road sign. Worn throttle lock. No other defect.

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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