# NTSB DEN87LA004: Piper PA-32R-301T, N8125H, Grafton, ND, October 8, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 8, 1986, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Grafton, ND
- Coordinates: 48.409656, -97.400299 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.4097&lon=-97.4003&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: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17142
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17142/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA004

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - exhaust system,turbocharger - not engaged (cause)
  - throttle/power lever,push/pull rod - movement restricted (cause)
  - gear retraction - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - gear extension - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - gear down and locked - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Analysis

PLT MADE FORCED LANDING ON DIRT ROAD SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF WHEN THE ENG REPORTEDLY LOST POWER. PLT EXTENDED LANDING GEAR BUT ACFT TOUCHED DOWN BEFORE GEAR LOCKED AND LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. LEFT WING ALSO STRUCK A MAILBOX DURING ROLLOUT. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED A GUMMY RESIDUE ON TURBO WASTE GATE CONTROL, PRECLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF FULL POWER. ADDITIONALLY, TIRES WERE REPORTED TO BE UNDER-INFLATED, CAUSING HIGHER FRICTIONAL DRAG. THE PLT SAID THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL WAS NOT ABNORMALLY LONG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8125H (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-8029015
- Airframe hours: 957
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cloverdale Foods
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 26, 1986, 140 hours before
- Destination: BIS, BISMARCK, ND
- Airport: GAF, Grafton Muni.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,979 total, 55 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °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 19861008048779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861008048779A), Oct 8, 1986: Piper PA32R301T, Grafton, ND, Substantial damage. Engine lost power during takeoff. Pilot landed on road and hit mailbox. Throttle waste gate control malfunctioning.

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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