# NTSB CHI98LA205: Piper PA-28-140, N4541R, Harrison, NE, June 6, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 6, 1998, 16:35 local (22:35 UTC) - Place: Harrison, NE - Coordinates: 42.67974, -103.879852 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6797&lon=-103.8799&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 February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10919 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA205 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10919/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA205 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper positioning of the magneto switch and his improper use of the mixture control. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - ignition system,ignition switch - not switched (contributing factor) - powerplant controls - not selected, pilot in command (cause) - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll ## Analysis The airplane was damaged during a forced landing about one mile after departure from the airport. The pilot said that after the accident, he discovered the magneto switch to be selected to only magneto and that he did not use the mixture control to reduce the rich mixture prior to departure. ## Factual narrative On June 6, 1998, at 1635 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N4541R, registered to and operated by a private pilot sustained substantial damage while conducting a forced landing about one mile northwest of the Harrison Sky Ranch Airport, near Harrison, Nebraska. The pilot said that after the run-up he forgot to set the magneto switch to the "both" position. He said the engine was not providing enough power to sustain flight on only one magneto and he elected to conduct a forced landing in an open field. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was originating at the time with the intended destination of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The pilot said after the accident he discovered the magneto switch to be selected to only one magneto. He said in his written statement that he did not use the mixture control to reduce the rich mixture which he believed might have also reduced the power output of the engine. A subsequent examination of the airplane failed to reveal any pre-accident anomalies which might have contributed to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4541R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4541R), registered now, S/N 28-21246, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-140 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-21246 - Airframe hours: 4565 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Edward S. Hempel - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1998, 8 hours before - Departed: 9V3, HARRISON, NE - Destination: BFF, SCOTTSBLUFF, NE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 154 total, 5 in this make and model, 117 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 64 °F ## 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 19980606019869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980606019869A), Jun 6, 1998: Piper PA28140, Harrison, NE, Substantial damage. During runup failed to ascertain mags on both. Stall horn on takeoff. Elected land in field striking a fence. (.4)the airplane was damaged during a forced… 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.