# NTSB CHI92LA085: Piper PA-32R-300, N427KP, Cedar Rapids, IA, February 2, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 2, 1992, 13:17 local (19:17 UTC)
- Place: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Coordinates: 41.970916, -91.660194 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9709&lon=-91.6602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15390
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15390/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA085

## Probable cause

A RESULT OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE AIRPLANES EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND NOT PERFORMING THE APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. A FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.

## 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 - failure,total (contributing factor)
- Gear not extended, landing - flare/touchdown
  - emergency procedure - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - runway

## Analysis

DURING AN IFR FLIGHT THE PILOT NOTICED A GRADUAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER DUE TO A FAULTY VOLTAGE REGULATOR. THE PILOT REQUESTED A CHANGE IN ROUTING FROM ARTCC WITH THE INTENTION OF LANDING. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE CIRCLED OVER THE AIRPORT UNTIL RECEIVING A GREEN LIGHT FROM THE ATC TOWER. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH FOR LANDING THE PILOT RECEIVED A RED LIGHT FROM THE TOWER. THE PILOT INITIATED A GO-AROUND MANEUVER AND BEGAN HIS SECOND APPROACH SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE AIRPLANE MADE A GEAR-UP LANDING DURING THE SECOND LANDING APPROACH. WHEN ASKED IF HE UTILIZED THE EMERGENCY GEAR EXTENSION SYSTEM THE PILOT STATED HE DID NOT BECAUSE HE THOUGHT HE FELT THE LANDING GEAR DRAG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N427KP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7780037
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-KIG5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Pribyls Wings, Inc
- Registered owner: Pribyls Wings, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 2, 1900
- Departed: CTK, CANTON, IL
- Destination: Y33, MAPLE LAKE, MN
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: CID, Cedar Rapids Municipal, runway 13, 5,450 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,600 total, 626 in this make and model, 1,530 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CID, 1 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 19920202001589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920202001589A), Feb 2, 1992: Piper PA32R300, Cedar Rapids, IA, Substantial damage. Lost electric power. Landed gear up. Did not use emergency extension. Voltage regulator had failed.

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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