FTW93FA158

During the forced landing following a total loss of engine power, the airplane impacted the north side of dirt bank five feet short of the approach end of the runway. The non rated pilot occupied the right seat. The pilot had flown agricultural airplanes and other single engine airplanes for approximately 20,000 hours; however, he had never obtained a pilot certificate. An engine test run did not reveal any discrepancies that would have contributed to the power loss.

History of flight:

On May 17, 1993, at approximately 1030 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22-108, N4924Z, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Weatherford, Texas. The non rated pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight.

During personal interviews, conducted by the investigator in charge, the pilot stated that after an approximate 45 minute flight, a total loss of engine power occurred. During the emergency descent, the airplane impacted a dirt bank along side a highway as he attempted to make the airport. The airplane hit the terrain five feet prior to the approach end of runway 17 at Weatherford Parker County Airport, Weatherford, Texas.

Personnel information:

The pilot stated the information in this paragraph during a personnel interview conducted by the investigator in charge. The pilot had flown agricultural airplanes and other single engine airplanes since the 1950's. He had approximately 20,000 hours of flight time; however, he had never obtained a pilot certificate. During the previous 30 days, he had flown N4924Z 12 hours.

Aircraft information:

During a telephone interview, conducted by the investigator in charge, the previous airplane owner stated that the airplane had not been flown for approximately two years, prior to being purchased by the pilot, as the wings needed to be re-covered.

The pilot stated to the investigator in charge, during a personal interview, that the wings were inspected and covered prior to the flight. A review of the airplane maintenance records by the investigator in charge did not reveal any work on the airplane engine from March 13, 1990, until the airplane was returned to service following an annual inspection on February 27, 1993.

Wreckage and impact information:

An on site examination by a Federal Aviation Adminitration (FAA) inspctor revealed the airplane came to rest in a nose down position on the north side of an embankment 12 feet above ground level. Fuel was present in both wing tanks. Flight control continuity was established.

Test and research:

On June 3, 1993, a visual examination of the airframe, powerplant and fuel system, by an air safety investigator, did not reveal any discrepancies that would have contributed to the power loss. The bending of engine mounts about the carburetor, precluded a field examination of the carburetor.

On September 22, 1993, an engine test run and functional carburetor check was conducted with no discrepancies that would have contributed to the power loss.

Additional data:

The airplane was released to the owner following the investigation.