# NTSB FTW83LA129: Piper PA-28-140, N6164W, Midlothian, TX, February 25, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 24, 1983, 18:00 local (Feb 25, 1983, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Midlothian, TX
- Coordinates: 32.489749, -96.990646 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4897&lon=-96.9906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20819
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20819/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA129

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, takeoff
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - attempted, pilot in command

## Analysis

WHILE ON A LOCAL FLT, THE PLT NOTICED FLUCTUATING OIL PRESSURE & ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A FIELD. HE STATED THAT AFTER LANDING, HE CHECKED THE OIL & RAN UP THE ENG, BUT NOTED NO MALFUNCTIONS, SO HE ELECTED TO TAKEOFF AGAIN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM THE FIELD, WHICH WAS SOFT, HE REALIZED THAT HE WOULD BE UNABLE TO CLEAR POWER LINES. THEREFORE, HE ABORTED THE TAKEOFF. HE THEN SAW A DITCH & TRIED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT, BUT THE ACFT WENT OVER ON ITS BACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6164W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6164W), registered now, S/N 28-20182, built 1964 (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: 28-20182
- Airframe hours: 3213
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: J. D. Palmer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 9, 1982, 88 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 182 total, 89 in this make and model, 153 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAL, 19 nm away

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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