# NTSB FTW85LA274: Piper PA-28-140, N7589R, Port Aransas, TX, July 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1985, 04:45 local (09:45 UTC)
- Place: Port Aransas, TX
- Coordinates: 27.819345, -97.060569 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.8193&lon=-97.0606&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): 21789
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA274
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21789/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA274

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THE ACFT HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN FOR SEVERAL WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS FLT. THE PLT HAD DRAINED A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER FROM THE FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO FLT AND STATED THE LOSS OF POWER WAS DUE TO WATER WHICH COULD NOT BE DRAINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7589R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7589R-2013-05-08), registration cancelled 2013-05-08, S/N 28-22156, 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: 28-22156
- Airframe hours: 1601
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Patrick Orem
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 8, 1985
- Departed: 2R8, PORT ARANSAS, TX
- Destination: SINTON, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 403 total, 58 in this make and model, 377 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 320° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °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 19850705029889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850705029889A), Jul 5, 1985: Piper PA28140, Port Aransas, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power after liftoff. Landed in tidal area. Large amount of water drained from tanks on preflight.

## Other investigations on N7589R (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC68A0008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC68A0008), Aug 1, 1967: Piper PA-28 (N7589R), Le Mars, IA, substantial damage, 1 fatal

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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