# NTSB FTW85LA325: Piper PA-28-181, N2217G, Llano, TX, August 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1985, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Llano, TX
- Coordinates: 30.749986, -98.670211 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.7500&lon=-98.6702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21830
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA325
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21830/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA325

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- Complete gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE ENTERED THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AT 2000 FT FOR A LEFT DOWNWIND TO RWY 17. HE THEN REDUCED PWR TO 1700 RPM AND PLACED THE MIXTURE CONTROL INTO THE FULL RICH POSITION. HE ASSURED THAT CARBURETOR HEAT WAS OFF AND THEN STARTED HIS DESCENT. THE ENG THEN BEGAN TO LOSE PWR AND SPUTTER. THROTTLE OPERATION GAVE SURGES OF PWR. HE SWITCHED FUEL TANK POSITIONS BUT COULD NOT GET A RESTART. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO STRETCH HIS GLIDE TO THE RWY BUT WAS UNABLE. THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN 200-300 YRDS SHORT OF THE RWY, COLLAPSED THE LANDING GEAR, BOUNCED AND CAME TO REST ABOUT 100 YRDS SHORT OF THE RWY. EXAMINATION BY FAA PERSONNEL REVEALED NO FUEL IN THE TANKS AND NO EVIDENCE OF AN AIRBORNE OR ON GROUND FUEL LEAK. AFTER RECOVERY OF THE WRECKAGE A FUEL SUPPLY WAS CONNECTED TO THE RIGHT HAND INLET OF THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE. THE ENG WAS STARTED AND NOTED TO BE CAPABLE OF NORMAL OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2217G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2217G-2018-01-12), registration cancelled 2018-01-12, S/N 28-7990209, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7990209
- Airframe hours: 2641
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James M. Swint Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 6, 1985, 2 hours before
- Departed: ADS, DALLAS, TX
- Destination: 3R9, AUSTIN, TX
- Airport: 6R9, Llano Muni, runway 17, 3,200 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 108 total, 9 in this make and model, 72 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 155° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19850817072609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850817072609A), Aug 17, 1985: Piper PA28181, Llano, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power due to fuel starvation on base leg. Touched down short of runway bounced and collapsed the gear.

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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