# NTSB FTW90LA166: Piper PA-28R-200, N9316N, Denver City, TX, August 26, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1990, 19:50 local (Aug 26, 1990, 00:50 UTC)
- Place: Denver City, TX
- Coordinates: 32.959449, -102.830726 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9594&lon=-102.8307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23176
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA166
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23176/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA166

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER LEANING OF THE FUEL MIXTURE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,static
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ignition system,spark plug - fouled
  - proper climb rate - not possible (contributing factor)
  - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel boost pump selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WITH BAGGAGE DEPARTED RUNWAY 04 WITH A 10 KNOT QUARTERING TAIL WIND. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A STATIC WIRE APPROXIMATELY 1.2 STATUTE MILES FROM THE AIRPORT. THE AIRPORT ELEVATION WAS 3,575 FEET AND THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 6,000 FEET AT THE TIME OF TAKE OFF. THE LANDING GEAR WAS DOWN AT IMPACT. THE PILOT DID NOT USE THE FUEL BOOST PUMP FOR TAKE OFF AND HAD OVER LEANED THE FUEL MIXTURE, ACCORDING TO THE FAA INVESTIGATOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9316N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9316N-1994-08-24), registration cancelled 1994-08-24, S/N 28R35016 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-35016
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Billings, Alton E.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Destination: LBB, LUBBOCK, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; flight hours: 267 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOB, 28 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 19900825036399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900825036399A), Aug 25, 1990: Piper PA28R200, Denver City, TX, Substantial damage. Hot day,high density altitude,unable to climb or accelerate. Struck powerline static wire. Lost control. Crashed.

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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