# NTSB DFW08CA207: Piper PA-28-140, N8323R, Abbeville, LA, August 15, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: August 14, 2008, 20:15 local (Aug 15, 2008, 01:15 UTC) - Place: Abbeville, LA - Coordinates: 29.975555, -92.083885 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9756&lon=-92.0839&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 22, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 68729 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW08CA207 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68729/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA207 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Terrain: rough terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 442 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md) - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 27 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 42 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 56 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 1,787 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md) ## Analysis The single-engine airplane experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to restart the engine to no avail. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the landing gear, both wings, and engine firewall during the forced landing. The pilot who had purchased the airplane on the morning of the accident, the sole passenger, and the flight instructor were able to exit the airplane unassisted. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane. The fuel selector was found in the "Right Tank" position; however, due to impact damage, verification of the right tank fuel quantity was not possible. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative The single-engine airplane experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to restart the engine to no avail. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the landing gear, both wings, and engine firewall during the forced landing. The pilot who had purchased the airplane on the morning of the accident, the sole passenger, and the flight instructor were able to exit the airplane unassisted. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane. The fuel selector was found in the "Right Tank" position; however, due to impact damage, verification of the right tank fuel quantity was not possible. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8323R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8323R-2008-09-18), registration cancelled 2008-09-18, S/N 28-22194, built 1966 (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: 28-22194 - Airframe hours: 4348 - Engines: LYCOMING 0-320 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 2008 - Departed: KARA, New Iberia, LA - Destination: 0R3, Abbeville, IA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 1, 2008; seat: left; flight hours: 55 total, 1 in this make and model, 16 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 220° at 3 knots - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: KARA, 11 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 20080814845969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080814845969A), Aug 14, 2008: Piper PA28140, Abbeville, LA, Substantial damage. (-23) While climbing out after performing a touch and go at the Abbeville, LA airport at approximately 200 feet AGL the engine lost power and an attempt was… 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.