# NTSB CHI98LA037: Piper PA-32-260, N3359W, Lakeville, MN, October 31, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 31, 1997, 17:15 local (23:15 UTC) - Place: Lakeville, MN - Coordinates: 44.669502, -93.240524 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.6695&lon=-93.2405&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 29, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10781 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA037 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10781/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA037 ## Probable cause fuel starvation due a deteriorated grommet in an Adel clamp, and a loose mixture control cable. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - mixture control,cable - deteriorated (cause) - mixture control,cable - loose part/bolt/nut/clamp/etc (cause) - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that no abnormalities were found during preflight, engine start, or run-up. He said the manifold pressure, RPM, and engine gauges were all normal during the takeoff roll and takeoff. Also, he reported that after climbing to approximately 125 feet AGL, just beyond the threshold of the runway, the airplane experienced a sudden and complete power loss, 'as if the engine was being starved for fuel.' About two seconds later, the engine surged, and then quit again. The pilot landed straight ahead in a freshly plowed field. During the landing, the airplane rolled across about 300 feet of rough terrain before the nose gear collapsed. A postaccident examination and test run the engine were performed. The engine started and ran normally. Examination of the mixture control cable revealed that a rubber grommet in the 'Adel clamp,' which secured the mixture control cable outer housing, had deteriorated. This permitted the control cable and outer cable housing to shift aft. ## Factual narrative On October 31, 1997, at 1715 central standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3359W, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after takeoff due to a complete loss of engine power. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was departing Airlake Airport, Lakeville, Minnesota, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that he conducted a very thorough preflight on the airplane prior to takeoff due to the engine maintenance that had just been completed. He reported that no abnormalities were found during preflight. The engine start and run-up were normal and no abnormalities were found. The pilot reported that the manifold pressure, RPM's, and engine gauges were all normal during the takeoff roll and takeoff. He reported that after climbing to approximately 125 feet AGL, just beyond the threshold of the runway, the airplane experienced a sudden and complete power loss, "as if the engine was being starved for fuel." About two seconds later the engine surged, and then quit again. The pilot closed the throttle and landed straight ahead in a freshly plowed field. The airplane rolled across about 300 feet of rough field before the nose gear collapsed. The pilot secured the electrical system and placed the fuel selector in the off position and exited the airplane. The engine was examined and tested by running the engine. The engine started and ran normally. The airplane was examined. There was adequate fuel in the fuel tanks. The fuel selector operated properly. The fuel pickups were normal and the fuel boost pump provided sufficient fuel flow. The mixture control cable and "Adel clamp" were examined. The Adel clamp was the "cushioned type" with a lining of rubber. The examination revealed that the rubber grommet in the "Adel clamp," which secured the mixture control cable outer housing, had deteriorated. It permitted the entire control cable and the outer cable housing to shift aft. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3359W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3359W), registered now, S/N 32-205, built 1965 (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: 32-205 - Airframe hours: 3600 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: 59 Incorporated - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 30, 1997, 30 hours before - Departed: LVN - Airport: LVN, Airlake, runway 29, 4,800 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 285 total, 198 in this make and model, 271 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 7,500 ft overcast - Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: LVN, 1 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 19971031031629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971031031629A), Oct 31, 1997: Piper PA32260, Lakeville, MN, Substantial damage. Narrative: N3359W had maintenance performed on the engine therefore two of the nine owners, dan pierson and randy williams were going to conduct a local VFR… 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.