# NTSB FTW03LA142: Piper PA-28-140, N7546R, Needham, AR, April 29, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 29, 2003, 06:52 local (11:52 UTC) - Place: Needham, AR - Coordinates: 35.831665, -90.64611 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8317&lon=-90.6461&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed, report March 30, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Flight Standards District Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 56916 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW03LA142 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/56916/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA142 ## Probable cause The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - wire,transmission - terrain condition - none suitable ## Analysis The single-engine aircraft was destroyed after it impacted power lines following a loss of engine power after take off from a private grass airstrip. The private pilot reported that everything was "normal" during pre-flight, ground run, and taxi. He stated that just after lift off, the engine lost power. The pilot elected to fly over the power lines to avoid a truck that was on a roadway directly in front of his flight path. The airplane struck the power lines and impacted the ground. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On April 29, 2003, at approximately 0652 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 single-engine airplane, N7546R, registered to and operated by a private individual, was destroyed after it impacted power lines following a loss of engine power after take off from a private grass airstrip near Needham, Arkansas. The private pilot and his passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and its destination was Forrest City, Arkansas. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, that everything was "normal" during pre-flight, ground run, and taxi. He stated that just after lift off, the engine lost power. The pilot elected to fly over the power lines to avoid a truck that was on a roadway directly in front of his flight path. The airplane subsequently collided with the power lines and impacted the ground. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined. On the application form for his most recent FAA third-class medical certificate completed on June 12, 2000, the private pilot reported a total flight time of 40 hours. Despite attempts made by the Investigator-In-Charge to obtain a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), a completed form was not obtained. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7546R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7546R-2004-10-04), registration cancelled 2004-10-04, S/N 28-22108, 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: 28-22108 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Michael L. Barkley - Registered owner: Jeff Brown - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: NONE, Needham, AR - Destination: JBR, Forrest City, AR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 27; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 40 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg ## 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 20030429011369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030429011369A), Apr 29, 2003: Piper PA28140, Needman, AR, Destroyed. (-23) On 04/29/2003, approx. 0652 CDT, a Piper pa 28-140 airplane, N7546R, registered to and operated by private individuals, was destroyed after it impacted… 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.