# NTSB FTW83LA082: Piper PA-23-160, N4171P, Mangum, OK, January 7, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 7, 1983, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Mangum, OK
- Coordinates: 34.869735, -99.499206 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8697&lon=-99.4992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20788
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA082
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20788/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA082

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,selector/valve - frozen (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE LEFT ENGINE SURGED TWICE AND QUIT. HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD WHICH WAS SOFT FROM MELTING SNOW. DURING ROLL OUT THE NOSE WHEEL DUG IN AND THE DRAG LINK BROKE WHICH COLLAPSED THE NOSE GEAR. THE LEFT FUEL SELECTOR CABLE HAD FROZEN CAUSING THE LEFT MAIN FUEL VALVE TO STICK IN THE OFF OR PARTIALLY OFF POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4171P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4171P-2013-07-30), registration cancelled 2013-07-30, S/N 23-1658, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23-160) (registry code 7102304) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23-1658
- Airframe hours: 2261
- Engines: LYCOMING LO-320-B1A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: David W. Autrey
- Registered owner: Danny Mertz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 17, 1983
- Departed: SAYRE, OK
- Destination: BWD, BROWNWOOD, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 470 total, 7 in this make and model, 357 as pilot in command, 49 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F

## 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 19830107000619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830107000619A), Jan 7, 1983: Piper PA23160, Mangum, OK, Substantial damage. Aircraft was substantially damaged during precautionary landing when left engine quit after takeoff.

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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