# NTSB FTW86LA173: Piper PA-22-160, N3050Z, Abbeville, LA, September 30, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1986, 14:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Abbeville, LA
- Coordinates: 29.969141, -92.119941 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9691&lon=-92.1199&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22097
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA173
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22097/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA173

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PVT PLT TOOK OFF ON A PLEASURE FLT WITH 1 PAX ON BOARD. DRG THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE ENG LOST POWER AT ABOUT 300 FT AGL. THE PLT THEN TURNED DOWNWIND & SUBSEQUENTLY MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A SUGAR CANE FIELD ADJACENT TO THE ARPT. DRG THE LANDING, THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THERE WAS WATER IN THE CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3050Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3050Z-2012-09-05), registration cancelled 2012-09-05, S/N 22-7004, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-160) (registry code 7102214) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-7004
- Airframe hours: 2797
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David J Yant
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 20, 1985, 5 hours before
- Airport: AR3, Abbeville, runway 15, 3,700 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 221 total, 9 in this make and model, 136 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LFT, 52 nm away

## 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 19860930046749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860930046749A), Sep 30, 1986: Piper PA22160, Abbeville, LA, Substantial damage. Engine failed on crosswind and a forced landing was made in a cane field. Water was found in the carburetor.

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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