# NTSB FTW92LA059: Piper PA-28-140, N107EH, Denton, TX, January 22, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 22, 1992, 16:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Denton, TX
- Coordinates: 33.190879, -97.129203 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1909&lon=-97.1292&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 June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18436
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18436/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA059

## Probable cause

FOULED SPARK PLUGS, LOOSE SPARK PLUG IGNITION LEAD, EXHAUST LEAK, AND CYLINDER LEAK.  FACTORS WERE AN INADEQUATE ANNUAL INSPECTION, POOR MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATION BY THE PILOT WITH KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,spark plug - fouled (cause)
  - exhaust system,manifold/pipe - leak (cause)
  - ignition system,ignition lead - loose (cause)
  - engine assembly,cylinder - leak (cause)
  - maintenance - poor, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence

## Analysis

DURING INITIAL CLIMB THE ENGINE LOST POWER TO BETWEEN 1500 RPM AND 1800 RPM. SAFETY BOARD INVESTIGATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE NUMBERS TWO AND FOUR TOP SPARK PLUGS SHOWED LEAD FOULING. THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG LEAD WAS LOOSE ON THE NUMBER THREE BOTTOM PLUG. THE RIGHT EXHAUST PIPE WAS CORRODED AND DETERIORATED AND SHOWED EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE IN THE AREA OF CONNECTION TO THE MUFFLER. BURNT AREAS ON THE NUMBER ONE CYLINDER FINS AROUND THE EXHAUST GASKET SHOWED EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER/PILOT, THE AIRPLANE LAST RECEIVED AN ANNUAL INSPECTION THREE MONTHS AND 73 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. DURING THE FORCED LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A FENCE AND CAME TO REST IN A DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N107EH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N107EH-2006-11-02), registration cancelled 2006-11-02, S/N 28-7525057, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7525057
- Airframe hours: 2860
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas A. Tweeddale
- Registered owner: Thomas A. Tweeddale
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 30, 1991, 73 hours before
- Airport: 5TXO, Hidden Valley Airport, runway 16, 2,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 25,000 total, 5,000 in this make and model, 16,000 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FTW, 22 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 19920122000859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920122000859A), Jan 22, 1992: Piper PA28140, Lake Dallas, TX, Substantial damage. Lost partial power on takeoff. Tried return but landed off airport. Investigation revealed numerous engine defects.

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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