# NTSB FTW90LA135: Piper PA-24, N7202P, West Fork, AR, July 23, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1990, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: West Fork, AR
- Coordinates: 35.930591, -94.180183 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9306&lon=-94.1802&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23154
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23154/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA135

## Probable cause

THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - accessory drive assy - jammed
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE CRUISING AT 6,500 FEET MEAN SEA LEVEL THE PA24-250 EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THE IDLER GEAR BOLT FAILING AND JAMMING THE CRANKSHAFT GEAR. THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING TO A NARROW FARM ROAD, DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE WING STRUCK A UTILITY POLE CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7202P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7202P-1993-10-06), registration cancelled 1993-10-06, S/N 242372 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-2372
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1A5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Fisher Glenn D.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: M48, HOUSTON, MO
- Destination: BKD, BRECKENRIDGE, TX
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 394 total, 296 in this make and model, 350 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: FYV, 25 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 19900723028259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900723028259A), Jul 23, 1990: Piper PA24250, West Fork, AR, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Severed a wing on forced landing. Idler gear bolts broke,jammed crankshaft gear and idler 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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