# NTSB DEN83LA144: Piper PA-22-160, N2801Z, Brighton, CO, June 18, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1983, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Brighton, CO
- Coordinates: 39.949687, -104.790481 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9497&lon=-104.7905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16098
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83LA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16098/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA144

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach
  - autopilot/flight director - undetermined (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER ENTERING THE LANDING PATTERN, THE PLT NOTED BINDING OF THE AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM. REPORTEDLY THE AILERON CONTROLS SEEMED TO LOCK, SO HE USED THE RUDDERS FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL & LANDED IN A PLOWED FIELD. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT NOSED OVER. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE PIPER AUTO CONTROL SYS (WING LEVELER) HAD BECOME ENGAGED. WITH THE WING LEVELER ENGAGED, AN EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF CONTROL FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO OVERCOME A GEAR SYS. THE PLT BELIEVED THAT THE WING LEVELER CONTROL, PN 751-519, VIBRATED INTO THE ENGAGED POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2801Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2801Z), registered now, S/N 22-6794, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-160) (registry code 7102214) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-6794
- Airframe hours: 2143
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: K. Funk
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 16, 1983, 25 hours before
- Departed: CO12, BRIGHTON, CO
- Airport: C012, Brighton Van-Aire

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 2,000 total, 200 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 5 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19830618025669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830618025669A), Jun 18, 1983: Piper PA22160, Brighton, CO, Substantial damage. Auto control wing leveler system became engaged on downwind. Beleived ailerons jammed. Landed in a plowed field.

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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