# NTSB DEN87LA169: Piper PA-22-150, N5858D, Red Lodge, MT, July 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1987, 10:40 local (16:40 UTC)
- Place: Red Lodge, MT
- Coordinates: 45.190113, -109.23944 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1901&lon=-109.2394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17258
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17258/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA169

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - landing gear - separation

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF HE INTENDED TO SWITCH FUEL TO FULLEST TANK BUT INADVERTENTLY PUT THE FUEL SELECTOR ON OFF POSITION. THE ENGINE FAILED. HE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH ALTITUDE OR TIME TO CORRECT THE SITUATION AND HAD TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING ON A NEARBY GOLF COURSE. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE ACFT STRUCK A DIRT EMBANKMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5858D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5858D-2013-04-23), registration cancelled 2013-04-23, S/N 22-4537, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-4537
- Airframe hours: 1625
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jack F. Sasek
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 25, 1987
- Departed: RED, RED LODGE, MT
- Destination: HLN, HELENA, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,500 total, 100 in this make and model, 2,450 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Observed at: BIL, 50 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 19870705032239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870705032239A), Jul 5, 1987: Piper PA22150, Red Lodge, MT, Substantial damage. The engine stopped on takeoff from fuel starvation. The pilot inadvertently set the fuel selector to off.

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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