# NTSB FTW94LA267: Weatherly 201C, N9075W, Pampa, TX, August 11, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1994, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Pampa, TX
- Coordinates: 35.690631, -100.640876 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6906&lon=-100.6409&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19138
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA267
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19138/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA267

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO TAKEOFF FROM UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOLLOWING THE FORCED LANDING. A FACTOR WAS FUEL STARVATION INDUCED POWER LOSS RESULTANT FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SELECT THE PROPER FUEL TANK.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence post
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVER A FUEL STARVATION TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED. THE PILOT SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE FULL TANK. ENGINE POWER WAS NOT RESTORED PRIOR TO A FORCED LANDING ON A ROAD. DURING ROLLOUT, ENGINE POWER WAS RESTORED. DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL, THE LEFT WING STRUCK A FENCE POST AND THE AIRPLANE VEERED TO THE RIGHT THROUGH A DITCH.

## Factual narrative

On August 11, 1994, at 0900 central daylight time, a Weatherly 201C, N9075W, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Pampa, Texas.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight.

A fuel starvation loss of engine power occurred during the spraying maneuver.  The pilot selected the other fuel tank which was full; however, engine power was not restored and a forced landing was made on a road.  During rollout the engine started to run and a takeoff from the road was attempted.  During the ground roll, the left wing of the airplane struck a fence post.  The airplane veered to the right and through a ditch.  Structural damage occurred to both wings and the landing gear.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9075W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9075W), registered now, S/N 1024, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WEATHERLY 201C
- Registry model: [Weatherly 201C](https://openairdocs.org/model/weatherly-201c) (registry code 9630410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1024
- Airframe hours: 4274
- Engines: P&W R-985-14B 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: S & H Aerial Spraying, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 4, 1994, 220 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 8,507 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 8,400 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °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 19940811021229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940811021229A), Aug 11, 1994: Wthrly 201C, Pampa, TX, Substantial damage. Lost power. Landed on road. Engine began to run. Elected to takeoff. Wing hit fence post. Veered into a ditch.

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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