# NTSB FTW94LA215: Piper J4A, N30342, Granite Shoals, TX, June 30, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 30, 1994, 12:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Granite Shoals, TX
- Coordinates: 30.56978, -98.269515 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5698&lon=-98.2695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 26, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19099
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA215
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19099/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA215

## Probable cause

FUEL SYSTEM STARVATION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SECURE THE ENGINE FUEL PRIMER. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - starvation (cause)
  - fuel system,primer system - not secured (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE NUMBER TWO AND FOUR CYLINDERS WERE CHANGED ON THE ENGINE. A GROUND TEST RUN AND PREFLIGHT DID NOT REVEAL ANY DISCREPANCIES.  DURING THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB, A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED. THE AIRPLANE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY WHERE THE LAND MERGED WITH WATER. THE FORCED LANDING WAS MADE ON A STREET WHERE THE LEFT WING STRUCK A TREE DURING THE LANDING ROLL. EXAMINATION REVEALED THE FUEL PRIMER CONTROL WAS UNLOCKED AND THE PRIMER WAS OUT 1/2 INCH. A TEST RUN OF THE ENGINE WITH THE PRIMER IN DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY DISCREPANCIES.

## Factual narrative

On June 30, 1994, at 1220 central daylight time, a Piper J4A, N30342, was substantially damaged during a forced landing.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local maintenance test flight.

The pilot reported that the number two and four cylinders were changed on the engine.  Prior to flight no discrepancies were found during a ground operational test run of the engine.  During the takeoff initial climb 300 feet above the ground, a total loss of engine power occurred.  The airplane was approximately 1/4 mile beyond the departure end of the runway where the land merged with water.  A street was selected for the landing.  During the landing roll the left wing struck a tree.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspectors' examination of the airplane at the accident site revealed the fuel primer control was unlocked and out one half inch.  A test run of the engine with the primer in did not disclose any discrepancies.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30342](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N30342), registered now, S/N 4-1170, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J4A
- Registry model: [Piper J4A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j4a) (registry code 7100604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4-1170
- Airframe hours: 1292
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Yeilding, Brooks
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 8, 1994, 2 hours before
- Departed: 2KL, SUNRISE BEACH, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,780 total, 1 in this make and model, 1,684 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F

## 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 19940630020279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940630020279A), Jun 30, 1994: Piper J4A, Granite Sholas, TX, Substantial damage. Changed cylinders prior test flight lost power on takeoff. Landed on street. Struck tree. Unlocked fuel primer.

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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