# NTSB ERA11LA196: Piper PA-28-140, N7330J, Ocean Springs, MS, March 19, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 19, 2011, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC) - Place: Ocean Springs, MS - Coordinates: 30.386943, -88.751945 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3869&lon=-88.7519&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor - Status: Completed, report November 22, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Piper Aircraft, Inc, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 78595 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA11LA196 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/78595/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78595 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA196 ## Probable cause The airplane's overweight condition due to the pilot's improper weight and balance calculation that resulted in the airplane's inability to maintain altitude. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Planning/preparation: weight/balance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 110 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: maximum weight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 152 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: climb capability](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 183 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/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 (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 47 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Stall warn/stick-shaker/pusher](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: 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) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 137 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he departed the airplane's base with full fuel tanks and flew 12 miles to pick up 3 passengers for a flight to a resort destination. The pilot boarded the passengers, loaded an estimated 40 pounds of luggage, and completed the engine start, run-up, magneto check, taxi, and takeoff roll with no anomalies noted. At 80 to 100 feet above the runway, the airplane would not climb. At that time, the pilot perceived a loss of engine power and noted that the engine rpm had decayed. The pilot checked the position of the engine controls, and responded to continuous stall warnings by lowering the nose, which resulted in a steady loss of altitude. He then selected a narrow street in a residential area, 1/2 mile from the airport, for the forced landing. The passengers' accounts of the accident were consistent with the pilot's, with the exception that they each estimated the weight of the baggage to be between 80 and 100 pounds. After the accident, the engine started and ran on the airframe with no anomalies noted. The airplane manufacturer's maximum allowable gross weight was 2,150 pounds. The estimated gross weight at takeoff, using the 40-pound baggage weight was 2,248 pounds. ## Factual narrative On March 19, 2011, about 1410 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N7330J, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Ocean Springs Airport (5R2), Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The certificated airline transport pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The third passenger was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that earlier on the day of the accident, he flew the 12-mile distance from Trent Lott International Airport (PQL), Pascagoula, Mississippi, to 5R2 in order to pick up the 3 passengers, and consumed "about an hour's worth of fuel" while en route. He then left the airport, went to his home, and then returned "around" 1350 to conduct the flight. Air Traffic Control data revealed that the accident airplane departed PQL at 1254. The pilot boarded the passengers, loaded approximately 40 pounds of luggage, and completed the engine start, run-up, magneto check, taxi, and takeoff roll with no anomalies noted. At 80 to 100 feet above the runway, the airplane "would not climb." At that time, the pilot perceived a loss of engine power and noted that the engine RPM had decayed from 2,300 RPM to about 2,000 RPM. The pilot checked the position of the engine controls, and responded to continuous stall warnings by "lowering the nose," which resulted in a steady loss of altitude. He then selected a narrow street in a residential area, 1/2 mile off the airport for the forced landing. The passengers each provided written statements, and their accounts were consistent with the pilot's, with the exception that they each estimated that the weight of the baggage loaded was between 80 and 100 pounds. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine and airplane multiengine. He reported an estimated 4,400 total hours of flight experience, of which 25 hours were in make and model. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1968 and had accrued 5,946 total aircraft hours as of its most recent annual inspection, which was completed on January 27, 2011. The manufacturer's maximum allowable gross weight was 2,150 pounds. The weight of the airplane at takeoff was calculated using the weight of the occupants, 33 gallons of fuel, and 40 pounds of baggage. The estimated gross weight at takeoff was 2,248 pounds. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION At 1355, the weather reported at Biloxi, Mississippi, included clear skies and winds from 210 at 10 knots. The temperature was 25 degrees C, and the dewpoint was 20 degrees C. The altimeter setting was 30.22 inches of mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane was examined at the accident site on March 19, 2011 by a FAA aviation safetyinspector, who also photographed the scene. There was fuel spillage, and the fire department drained approximately 50 gallons of the remaining fuel from the airplane. Examination of the photographs revealed that the right wing was separated by impact, and that the left wing outboard of the wing flap was also separated. The underside of the engine compartment and cockpit showed upward crushing along the right side. One propeller blade was bent aft due to impact. The wreckage was removed from the site and recovered to an automotive repair facility. On April 27, 2011, a wreckage examination and engine run was conducted under the supervision of the FAA. The fuselage was lifted by, and secured to, a forklift. Examination revealed impact damage to the engine mount and several bends in the engine-mount tubing, but no breaks were noted. The exhaust system was restricted due to impact damage, but no breaks in the system were noted. An auxiliary fuel source was plumbed into the fuel system at the electric-driven fuel pump, and a substitute propeller was installed due to the bent propeller blade. The airplane's battery was used for the engine start. The engine started immediately, and ran continuously, but required a few minutes for the spark plugs to "clear" due to the oil that had accumulated while the airplane rested on its side during storage. A magneto check revealed that the left magneto was not operational at the time of the test. The engine was run at various power settings, but could not be accelerated above 2,100 rpm due to the condition of the engine mount. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7330J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7330J-2012-08-07), registration cancelled 2012-08-07, S/N 28-24684, built 1968 (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: 28-24684 - Airframe hours: 5946 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: O P Harbour LLC - Registered owner: O P Harbour LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 27, 2011 - Departed: 5R2, Ocean Springs, MS - Destination: DTS, Destin, FL - Airport: 5R2, Ocean Springs, runway 18, 3,500 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 29; injuries: minor; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review October 27, 2010; seat: left; flight hours: 4,400 total, 25 in this make and model, 3,905 as pilot in command, 53 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 68 °F - Altimeter: 30.21 inHg - Observed at: BIX, 9 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 20110319006179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110319006179A), Mar 19, 2011: Piper PA-28-140, Ocean Springs, MS, Substantial damage. On March 19, 2011,approximately 1430 local time a PA-28-140 prepared to depart the Ocean Springs Airport (5R2). On climb out the pilot reported he lost all… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 4, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78595. 7.6 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 584 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351754&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Interview Summary (item 2, .PDF, 52 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352909&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF - Passenger Statements (item 3, .PDF, 139 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352910&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Passenger%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation (ATC) (item 4, .PDF, 48 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40353006&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20(ATC)-Master.PDF - Piper Report with FAA Concurrence (item 5, .PDF, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40353012&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Piper%20Report%20with%20FAA%20Concurrence-Redacted.PDF - Excerpts from Sheriff's Report (item 6, .PDF, 77 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351755&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20from%20Sheriff%27s%20Report-Redacted.PDF - BIX Weather Observations (item 7, .PDF, 144 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352908&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=BIX%20Weather%20Observations-Master.PDF - Photo 1: View of Left Wing (item 8, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352912&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20View%20of%20Left%20Wing-Master.PDF - Photo 2: View of Airplane at Rest (item 9, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352913&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20View%20of%20Airplane%20at%20Rest-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.