# NTSB CHI92LA162: Commander C3C, N136E, Grain Valley, MO, June 4, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1992, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Grain Valley, MO
- Coordinates: 38.999176, -94.200767 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9992&lon=-94.2008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15456
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA162
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15456/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA162

## Probable cause

THE JAMMED (KINKED) CHOKE PLATE CONTROL CABLE, WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED POWER AND COLLISION WITH RISING TERRAIN.

## 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, takeoff - initial climb
  - induction air control,cable - jammed (cause)
  - ram/induction air - loss,partial
- In flight collision with terrain/water, other
  - terrain condition - rising

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THERE WAS A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE.  THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED TREES AND RISING TERRAIN ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE CHOKE PLATE IN THE CARBURETOR WAS STUCK 3/4 CLOSED DUE TO A KINK IN THE CHOKE CONTROL CABLE NEAR THE CONTROL HANDLE IN THE COCKPIT.  THE ENGINE HAD ACCUMULATED 40 HOURS SINCE A MAJOR OVERHAUL COMPLETED AUGUST 15, 1991.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N136E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N136E), registered now, S/N 532, built 1928 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Commander C3C
- Registry model: [Command-Aire 3C-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/command-aire-3c-3) (registry code 2350102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright CURTISS OX5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-curtiss-ox5) (registry code 67002, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 532
- Airframe hours: 40
- Engines: Curtis Wright OX-5 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sangamon Packet Company
- Registered owner: Sangamon Packet Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 30, 1991, 40 hours before
- Departed: 3GV
- Destination: CNU, CHANUTE, KS
- Airport: 3GV, Grain Valley, runway 27, 4,000 ×  ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 73; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 20,000 total, 40 in this make and model, 24 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 61 °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 19920604019369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920604019369A), Jun 4, 1992: Coaire 3C3, Grain Valley, MO, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Impacted trees on rising terrain. Carb choke plates tuck near closed due kink in choke cable

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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