# NTSB CHI97LA012: Piper PA-32-260, N56155, Mancelona, MI, October 20, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 20, 1996, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC) - Place: Mancelona, MI - Coordinates: 44.9001, -85.059059 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.9001&lon=-85.0591&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 23, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10481 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA012 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10481/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA012 ## Probable cause the worn fuel system pump (actuator arm). A factor was the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, climb - fuel system,pump - worn (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot stated that during initial climb the engine lost power. He attempted to restart the engine, but was unable to do so. He made a forced landing in unsuitable terrain. A postaccident examination of the mechanical fuel pump found that the actuator arm was worn and fuel pressure and volume were not sufficient to maintain engine power. There is no manufacturer's requirement for inspection of the fuel pump during its service life. The pump had accumulated 1,007 hours. ## Factual narrative On October 20, 1996, at 1730 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N56155, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing about one-quarter mile west of the Lakes of the North Airport, near Mancelona, Michigan. The pilot reported a loss of engine power and the smell of smoke in the cockpit, prior to the forced landing. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file for the local flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot said that the engine quit completely and that he could not get it to restart. He then set up for a forced landing. An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the actuator arm for the mechanical fuel pump was worn to the extent that adequate fuel pressure and volume was not available. See the Federal Aviation Administration, inspector's report attached as an addendum to this report including drawing of affected part. There is no manufacturer's requirement for inspection of the mechanical fuel pump during its service life. The pump in the accident airplane had accumulated a total time in service of 1,007 hours at the time of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N56155](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N56155), registered now, S/N 32-7300053 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-32-260 - Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32-7300053 - Airframe hours: 1007 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Mark E. Lulfs - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 30, 1995 - Departed: 4Y4 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 753 total, 67 in this make and model, 659 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 80° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: KHT, 35 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 19961020033169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961020033169A), Oct 20, 1996: Piper PA32260, Mancelona, MI, Substantial damage. Aircraft lost power after departure and made a forced landing short of airport. (.4)the pilot stated that during initial climb the engine lost power. He… 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.