# NTSB FTW82DA335: Piper PA-32R-300, N7744C, Alexandria, LA, August 17, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1982, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Alexandria, LA
- Coordinates: 31.289772, -92.460586 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2898&lon=-92.4606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 17, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA335
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA335

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, go-around (vfr)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO PREPARE THE PILOT IN THE LEFT SEAT FOR A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT RATING. AFTER A POWER-OFF DESCENT FROM 4000 FT TO 2000 FT, THE INSTRUCTOR GAVE THE STUDENT A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING. REPORTEDLY, THE THROTTLE WAS OPENED BRIEFLY AT 1000 FT AND AGAIN AT ABOUT 500 FT TO CLEAR THE ENGINE. THE SIMULATED FORCED LANDING WAS CONTINUED UNTIL ABOUT 100 FT AGL. AT THAT POINT, THE THROTTLE WAS ADVANCED, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE ENGINE. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (IP) TOOK CONTROL AT ABOUT 50 FT AGL AND HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE ENGINE TO RESPOND. THE IP STATED THAT THE GEAR WAS DOWN AND HE DECIDED TO SKID THE AIRCRAFT SIDEWAYS INTO THE PLOWED FIELD TO COLLAPSE THE GEAR. BOTH PILOTS STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REGAIN POWER DURING TOUCHDOWN, BUT STOPPED IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE PROPELLER CONTACTED THE GROUND. NO PREIMPACT FAILURE WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7744C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7744C-1998-01-14), registration cancelled 1998-01-14, S/N 32R7680061 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7680061
- Airframe hours: 1816
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1A5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Baker Manufacturing Company, I
- Registered owner: Baker Manufacturing Company, I
- Departed: ALEXANDRIA, LA
- Destination: ALEXANDRIA, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,827 total, 47 in this make and model, 1,688 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 22,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 185 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19820817038909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820817038909A), Aug 17, 1982: Piper PA32R300, Alexandria, LA, Substantial damage. Engine failed to respond for go-around on practice forced landing but started again at impact. Possible rich mixture

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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