# NTSB ERA09LA496: Piper PA28-151, N32146, Mansfield, MA, September 1, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 1, 2009, 10:53 local (14:53 UTC) - Place: Mansfield, MA - Coordinates: 42.033611, -71.219444 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0336&lon=-71.2194&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 21, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: MA Division of Aeronautics, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 74641 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA09LA496 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/74641/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74641 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA496 ## Probable cause A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing as a result of the pilot's delayed use of carburetor heat. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Object/animal/substance: wall/barricade](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022027): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-151, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022027/cases.md?model=7102805), [All aircraft, 29 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022027/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: conducive to carburetor icing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-151, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030/cases.md?model=7102805), [All aircraft, 435 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-151, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=7102805), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-151, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=7102805), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-151, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102805), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-151, 22 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102805), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot performed a preflight inspection prior to departure, including "topping off" the fuel tanks, and he observed no contamination in the fuel. After departure, the pilot maneuvered in the local area for about 20 minutes. He performed a stall maneuver and shortly after the airplane’s engine started to "sputter and run rough." The pilot attempted unsuccessfully to troubleshoot the problem, including turning on the carburetor heat and switching fuel tanks. When he realized that he would be unable to make it to a nearby airport, the pilot prepared for a forced landing to the highway below. During the landing, the left wing struck a barrier resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed sufficient fuel in the right tank and the left tank was breached. Examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies. Review of the Federal Aviation Administration carburetor ice probability chart revealed that the temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to "serious icing" conditions at glide power. ## Factual narrative On September 1, 2009, at 1053 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151, N32146, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Mansfield, Massachusetts. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight which originated at Laurence Hanscom Field Airport (BED), Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1010. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to the pilot, prior to takeoff he performed a pre-flight inspection and "topped off" the fuel tanks. He strained the fuel tanks and noted no contamination. The pilot also noted no anomalies during the pre-flight inspection or the subsequent run-up inspection. The pilot departed to the northeast, flew around Boston, and then toward Gillette Stadium. As the airplane was southeast of the stadium, the pilot performed a power-on stall at an altitude of 2,500 feet. Shortly after recovery from the stall, the airplane's engine started to "sputter and run rough." The pilot turned the carburetor heat on, adjusted the airplane's pitch attitude to maintain "best glide airspeed," and flew toward the Mansfield Airport. The airplane's engine maintained 1500 RPM. The pilot noted the oil pressure, oil temperature, and fuel pressure were "in the green." Both fuel tanks indicated "plenty of fuel," and the pilot subsequently switched fuel tanks. The pilot realized the airplane would not be able to reach Mansfield Airport and prepared for a landing on the highway below (I-495). During the approach, he overflew a sign and touched down prior to an overpass. The left wing struck a barrier during the landing, and the airplane came to rest on the side of the highway. Examination of the airplane after the accident by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings and the nose of the airplane. Fuel was drained from the right fuel tank, and no contamination was noted in the fuel. The left fuel tank was ruptured during the accident. The engine crankshaft was rotated, and valvetrain continuity and thumb compression was confirmed on all cylinders. Testing of both magnetos revealed spark at all terminal leads, and examination of the spark plugs revealed normal wear. No anomalies or contamination was noted with the fuel pump or fuel lines. The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He also held a flight instructor certificate with a rating for airplane single engine. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on January 29, 2009. At the time of the accident, the pilot reported 664 hours of total flight experience, 64 of which were accumulated in the previous 90 days. Examination of the airplane and engine logbooks revealed the airplane was on an Approved Inspection Program. The most recent inspection was performed on the airplaneon August 13, 2009 at a tachometer time of 917 hours. The engine had accumulated 774 hours since major overhaul. Weather reported at Norwood Memorial Airport, about 10 miles from the accident site, at 1053, included wind from 350 degrees at 4 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 68 degrees F, dew point 45 degrees F, and altimeter setting 30.29 inches mercury. Review of the FAA carburetor ice probability chart revealed that the temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to "serious icing" conditions at glide power. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N32146](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32146-2018-01-18), registration cancelled 2018-01-18, S/N 28-7515079, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA28-151 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-7515079 - Airframe hours: 12681 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Plane Nonsense Inc - Registered owner: Plane Nonsense Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, August 12, 2009, 20 hours before - Departed: BED, Bedford, MA - Destination: BED, Bedford, MA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 24; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review October 23, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 664 total, 405 in this make and model, 502 as pilot in command, 64 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 30.29 inHg - Observed at: OWD, 10 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 20090901049259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090901049259A), Sep 1, 2009: Piper PA28-151, Mansfield, MA, Substantial damage. Pilot reported engine trouble during high power maneuvers and elected to land immediately onto a highway. Upon landing the aircraft sustained substantial… ## Docket (16 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 28, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74641. 12.6 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 4.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331444&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Statement (item 2, .PDF, 177 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331445&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Maintenance records (excerpt) (item 3, .PDF, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331446&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20records%20(excerpt)-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Interview (item 4, .PDF, 19 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331449&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Interview-Master.PDF - Recorded Weather Observations (item 5, .PDF, 320 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331456&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Recorded%20Weather%20Observations-Master.PDF - FAA Statement (item 6, .PDF, 617 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331458&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Passenger Statement (item 7, .PDF, 490 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331462&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Passenger%20Statement-Master.PDF - Accident Site Image (courtesy of FAA) (item 8, .PDF, 464 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331463&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Site%20Image%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Carburetor Icing Chart (item 9, .PDF, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331477&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Carburetor%20Icing%20Chart-Master.PDF - Photo 1 (courtesy of FAA): aircraft at accident site (item 10, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331501&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)%3A%20aircraft%20at%20accident%20site-Master.PDF - Photo 2 (courtesy of FAA): damage to barrier on highway (item 11, .PDF, 865 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331502&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)%3A%20damage%20to%20barrier%20on%20highway-Master.PDF - Photo 3 (courtesy of FAA): damage to right wing (item 12, .PDF, 747 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331504&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)%3A%20damage%20to%20right%20wing-Master.PDF - Photo 4 (courtesy of FAA): damage to right wing (item 13, .PDF, 834 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331506&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)%3A%20damage%20to%20right%20wing-Master.PDF - Photo 5 (courtesy of FAA): damage to left wing (item 14, .PDF, 805 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331509&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)%3A%20damage%20to%20left%20wing-Master.PDF - Photo 6 (courtesy of FAA): view of engine (item 15, .PDF, 66 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331511&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)%3A%20view%20of%20engine-Master.PDF - Photo 7 (courtesy of FAA): view of propeller blade (item 16, .PDF, 41 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40331512&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%207%20(courtesy%20of%20FAA)%3A%20view%20of%20propeller%20blade-Master.PDF 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.