# NTSB DEN92LA004: Piper PA-28, N4616R, Berryville, AR, October 22, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1991, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Berryville, AR
- Coordinates: 36.369323, -93.559997 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3693&lon=-93.5600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18177
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN92LA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18177/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92LA004

## Probable cause

A POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.  FACTORS WERE:  INCORRECT FUEL, IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, AND INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION INTERVAL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - fluid,fuel grade - improper (contributing factor)
  - maintenance - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

DURING APPROACH, THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FIELD WITH THE AIRCRAFT COMING TO REST IN A DITCH. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PILOT WAS NOT CERTIFIED AND DID NOT POSSESS A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.  ALSO, THE AIRCRAFT WAS USING INCORRECT FUEL, THE ENGINE WAS NON-STANDARD, AND AN ANNUAL INSPECTION HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED FOR SIX YEARS.  NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4616R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4616R-2012-12-11), registration cancelled 2012-12-11, S/N 28-21366, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- 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: 28-21366
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Snider, Richard D.
- Departed: COOSVILLE, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; flight hours: 200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: FYV, 40 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 19911022047349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911022047349A), Oct 22, 1991: Piper PA28140, Berryville, AR, Substantial damage. Engine failed near airport. Crashed in open field. No medical or pilot ratings. Unairworthy and no engine STC.

## Other investigations on N4616R (1)

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.

- [NTSB DEN70DXD14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN70DXD14), Mar 14, 1970: Piper PA-28 (N4616R), Broomfield, CO, substantial damage

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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