# NTSB CHI96LA345: Piper PA-38-112, N25920, Kearney, MO, September 20, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1996, 14:06 local (19:06 UTC)
- Place: Kearney, MO
- Coordinates: 39.360824, -94.359443 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3608&lon=-94.3594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 23, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10397
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA345
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10397/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA345

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat, which resulted in a reduction of engine power and subsequent collision with the terrain, during a forced landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff
- In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing

## Analysis

The airplane impacted terrain just after departure from a private airport. The pilot told investigators that he had left the carburetor heat on during the takeoff. The spark plugs were black with combustion deposits.

## Factual narrative

On September 20, 1996, at 1406 central daylight time a Piper PA-38-112, N25920, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the terrain after departing the private airport.  The pilot told inspectors that he departed with carburetor heat applied and was unable to maintain a climb.  The pilot reported no injuries.  The accident occurred at a private airport near Kearney, Missouri.  The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident with the intended destination of Polo, Missouri.

The airplane's last annual inspection was on March 2, 1995.  The pilot could not establish his most recent biennial flight review.  His most recent medical examination was on June 21, 1994.

On examination the spark plugs were found to be black with combustion deposits.  The primer was found unlocked.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N25920](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N25920-2011-04-19), registration cancelled 2011-04-19, S/N 38-81A0082, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-81A0082
- Airframe hours: 6584
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William A. Dunlap
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 2, 1995, 97 hours before
- Departed: 20MO
- Destination: 37MO, POLO, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: KMC, 12 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 19960920045619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960920045619A), Sep 20, 1996: Piper PA38112, Mount Vernon, MO, Substantial damage. Lost power on inital climbout. Reported took off carb heat on. Rich mixture fouled plugs. Hit ditch landing.

## Other investigations on N25920 (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 CHI83LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA072), Jan 3, 1983: Piper PA-38-112 (N25920), Detroit, MI, 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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