# NTSB CHI97LA217: Piper PA-36-285, N268JW, Hill City, KS, July 21, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1997, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Hill City, KS
- Coordinates: 39.359058, -99.840202 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3591&lon=-99.8402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 7, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10635
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA217
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10635/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA217

## Probable cause

the sustained partial loss of engine power due to low compression on one cylinder and the rough, uneven terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly,cylinder - low compression
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

The airplane was on initial climb with a load of chemicals for aerial application.  The pilot reported that the engine had a sustained partial loss of power.  The pilot said that dumping the load did not allow the airplane to continue flight and a forced landing was made off the airport in an open field where the airplane sustained substantial damage. A post accident examination of the engine found low compression on one cylinder.

## Factual narrative

On July 21, 1997, at 1030 central daylight time, a Piper PA-36-285, N268JW, operated by Jerry Waltz, Inc., sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Hill City, Kansas.  The commercial rated pilot reported a sustained partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. The pilot reported no injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local CFR 14 Part 137 aerial application flight.  There was no flight plan on file.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot told Federal Aviation Administration officials that the purpose of the flight was for the application of chemicals.  He said that that during initial climb the engine partially lost power and that he dumped the load in an attempt to maintain flight.  He said that the power loss prevented continued flight and he elected to conduct a forced landing in a field.  The airplane sustained substantial damage during the forced landing in the terraced field.

Subsequent to the accident, the engine was examined and one cylinder had low compression.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N268JW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N268JW-2013-07-09), registration cancelled 2013-07-09, S/N 36-7660104, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-36-285
- Registry model: [Piper PA-36-285](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-36-285) (registry code 7103610) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 6-285-A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-6-285-a) (registry code 17038, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36-7660104
- Engines: Lycoming IO-720 400 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Jerry Walts, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 22, 1997, 46 hours before
- Departed: HLC, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 6,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HLC

## 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 19970721047119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970721047119A), Jul 21, 1997: Piper PA36285, Hill City, KS, Substantial damage. (-16) Aircraft departed Hill City, KS airport (hlc) enroute to a local flight for the purpose of agriculture spraying. After departure after climbing to 50 ft.…

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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