# NTSB FTW94LA115: Piper PA-28-140, N3521K, San Angelo, TX, April 2, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 1, 1994, 18:20 local (Apr 2, 1994, 00:20 UTC)
- Place: San Angelo, TX
- Coordinates: 31.279888, -100.41069 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2799&lon=-100.4107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19024
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19024/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA115

## Probable cause

THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - exhaust system,baffle - loose (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - fence

## Analysis

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.  THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A FENCE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE MUFFLER BAFFLE HAD COME LOOSE.

## Factual narrative

On April 1, 1994, at 1820 central standard time, a Piper PA-28- 140, N3521K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near San Angelo, Texas.  The private pilot and passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

The pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator report that after takeoff the aircraft would not develop sufficient power to maintain altitude.  He further reported that he executed a forced landing in a field and that "on roll out, the wing tips struck a fence" west of the departure end of the runway.

An examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and the operator revealed that the muffler baffle had come lose.

The aircraft was released to the owner.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3521K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3521K-1998-04-18), registration cancelled 1998-04-18, S/N 2823604 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2823604
- Airframe hours: 2993
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sims, Marcus L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 5, 1993, 42 hours before
- Destination: OZA, OZONA, TX
- Airport: SJT, Mathis Field, runway 18, 6,916 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 197 total, 121 in this make and model, 165 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJT

## 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 19940401007459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940401007459A), Apr 1, 1994: Piper PA28140, San Angelo, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power on climbout. Struck a fence off end runway. Muffler baffle came loose.

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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