# NTSB FTW91LA032: Piper PA-32R-301, N82162, Enid, OK, January 23, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 23, 1991, 11:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Enid, OK
- Coordinates: 36.430572, -97.97087 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4306&lon=-97.9709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23300
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA032
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23300/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA032

## Probable cause

THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE OR USE AIRPLANE WHEEL CHOCKS.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi
  - object - building(nonresidential)
  - ignition system,ignition lead - shorted (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING NORMAL START PROCEDURES, THE AIRPLANE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THE SOLO PILOT EXITED THE AIRPLANE WITHOUT PLACING THE PARKING ON OR CHOCKING THE AIRPLANE. HE ROTATED THE PROPELLER, AND THE ENGINE STARTED. THE AIRPLANE ACCELEARATED FORWARD. THE AIRPLANE MAINTAINED A STRAIGHT GROUND TRACK AND RAN INTO A HANGAR DOOR, PENETRATING IT. AN EXAMINATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH REVEALED THAT IT HAD A MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE MAGNETO FROM BEING GROUNDED EVEN THOUGH THE KEY WAS REMOVED OR THE SWITCH PLACED IN THE OFF POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N82162](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N82162), registered now, S/N 32R-8313015, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-301) (registry code 7103218) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-8313015
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hamm & Phillips Service Co.
- Registered owner: Hamm & Phillips Service Co.
- Destination: OKC, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
- Airport: WDG, Enid Woodring

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,684 total, 42 in this make and model, 2,372 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 27 °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 19910123000969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910123000969A), Jan 23, 1991: Piper PA32R301, Enid, OK, Substantial damage. Unable start got out to move prop off flat spot. Engine started. Rolled into hangar door. Hot mag with switch off.

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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