# NTSB CHI96LA174: Piper PA-32, N40933, Osage Beach, MO, May 25, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 25, 1996, 12:45 local (17:45 UTC) - Place: Osage Beach, MO - Coordinates: 38.129989, -92.649147 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1300&lon=-92.6491&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10256 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA174 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10256/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA174 ## Probable cause a partial loss of power for undetermined reasons. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - evasive maneuver - performed, pilot in command - terrain condition - ravine ## Analysis The pilot reported that within minutes of departure the engine started to lose power but did not quit completely. He reported that the engine was barely above idle. Passengers flying with the pilot also reported that the engine did not sputter but continued to run smoothly at partial power. The pilot reported that he was unable to restore power to the engine and executed a forced landing at a nearby golf course. Due to golfers on the fairways, the pilot was unable to land on the golf course's fairway. The aircraft landed in rough terrain and went through a ravine which produced substantial damage to the aircraft. The examination of the aircraft revealed that fuel was available in all four fuel tanks prior to impact damage. The fuel lines to the engine driven fuel pump were inspected and were intact with no leakage. The electric boost pump was operated and it indicated normal fuel pressure. The engine driven fuel pump was bench tested and operated normally. The engine was test run and operated within specifications. ## Factual narrative On May 25, 1996, at 1245 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32, N40933, operated by Sparta Aero Services, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing due to a partial loss of engine power after takeoff near Osage Beach, Missouri. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The 14 CFR 91 flight departed Grand Glaize Memorial Airport, Osage Beach, Missouri, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he had departed Sparta, Illinois, and flew to Osage Beach, Missouri. The distance was about 140 nautical miles and took approximately 1.5 hours. The pilot reported that he departed Osage Beach about 15 minutes later. He reported that within minutes of departure the engine started to lose power but did not quit completely. He reported that the engine was barely above idle. Passengers flying with the pilot also reported that the engine did not sputter but continued to run smoothly at partial power. The pilot reported that he was unable to restore power to the engine, so he did a forced landing at a nearby golf course. Due to golfers on the fairways, the pilot was unable to land on the golf course's fairway. The aircraft landed in rough terrain and went through a ravine which produced substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot and passengers deplaned without injuries. The examination of the aircraft revealed that fuel was available in all four fuel tanks prior to impact damage. The fuel lines to the engine driven fuel pump were inspected and were intact with no leakage. The electric boost pump was operated and it indicated normal fuel pressure. The engine driven fuel pump was bench tested and it operated normally. The engine was run and it operated within specifications. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N40933](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N40933-1996-10-29), registration cancelled 1996-10-29, S/N 327400025 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-32 - Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32-74-00025 - Airframe hours: 3675 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Sparta Aero Services - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 2, 1995, 25 hours before - Departed: K15 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 18; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 374 total, 2 in this make and model, 120 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 150° at 3 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken - Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 19 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: TBN, 40 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 19960525011559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960525011559A), May 25, 1996: Piper PA32260, Osage Beach, MO, Substantial damage. Aircraft crash landed on golf course shortly after takeoff. (.4)the pilot reported that within minutes of departure the engine started to lose power but did… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.