# NTSB FTW86LRD09: Piper PA-22-150, N3821P, Sulphur, LA, March 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: March 9, 1986, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Sulphur, LA
- Coordinates: 30.220649, -93.350372 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2206&lon=-93.3504&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22135
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LRD09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22135/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LRD09

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ON MARCH 9, 1986, AT 0900 CST, PIPER AIRCRAFT PA22-150, N3821P, REGISTERED TO DERRICK D. SMITH, EXPERIENCED A POWER FAILURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THIS WAS A PLEASURE FLIGHT IN VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. NO FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE PILOT, WHO WAS THE SOLE OCCUPANT, WAS NOT INJURED. THE FLIGHT HAD ORIGINATED AT DEQUINCY, LOUISIANA, ON MARCH 9, 1986, AT APPROXIMATELY 0800 HOURS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3821P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3821P), registered now, S/N 22-3511, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-3511
- Airframe hours: 2990
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320A2 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Derrick D. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 2, 1986, 89 hours before
- Departed: 5R8, DEQUINCY, LA
- Destination: LCH, LAKE CHARLES, LA
- Airport: LCH, Lake Charles

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 117 total, 3 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19860309005989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860309005989A), Mar 9, 1986: Piper PA22150, Sulphur, LA, Substantial damage. Landed in pasture, ran through a fence and ditch. Forgot to switch fuel tanks and engine quit while maneuvering.

## Other investigations on N3821P (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 GAA19CA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA205), Apr 14, 2019: Piper PA22 (N3821P), Seward, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in impact with a snowbank.

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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