# NTSB FTW97LA191: Piper PA-28-160, N5140W, Weatherford, TX, May 14, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 14, 1997, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC) - Place: Weatherford, TX - Coordinates: 32.749164, -97.769279 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7492&lon=-97.7693&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 December 15, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20220 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA191 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20220/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA191 ## Probable cause loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Uneven terrain beyond the end of the runway was a related factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) ## Analysis Witnesses at the airport reported observing the airplane in a nose high attitude while on initial takeoff climb, and subsequently, they heard the engine lose power. The witnesses further stated that the power to the engine was reestablished after the airplane's nose gear impacted the runway near the departure end. The airplane overran the departure end of runway 35, crossed Interstate 20, impacted trees, and slid down an embankment, coming to rest in the upright position. The pilot stated that his preflight inspection revealed that the left tank contained 13 gallons, and the right tank contained 12 gallons of fuel. Examination of the engine and its related accessories by an FAA inspector did not disclose any mechanical problems or anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation. ## Factual narrative On May 14, 1997, at 1830 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-160 airplane, N5140W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Weatherford, Texas. The non-instrument rated private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane, owned and operated by the pilot, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91 at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. Witnesses at the Parker County Airport reported observing the airplane in a nose high attitude while on initial takeoff climb, and subsequently heard the engine lose power. The witnesses further stated that the power to the engine was reestablished after the airplane's nose gear impacted the runway near the departure end of the runway. The airplane overran the departure end of the 2,889 foot runway, crossed Interstate 20, impacted trees and slid down an embankment, coming to rest in the upright position. The private pilot purchased the 1962 model airplane in March 1997, and just completed his last BFR in his airplane 4 days prior to the accident. In the enclosed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that he completed a detailed preflight and runup prior to departing on runway 35. He further stated that his preflight inspection revealed that the left tank contained 13 gallons and the right tank contained 12 gallons of fuel. The airport manager, who also coordinated and assisted in the recovery of the airplane to his ramp, confirmed that fuel was present in both tanks when the airplane was placed on the recovery trailer. The manager further stated that at the time of the recovery, the fuel selector was in the left tank position. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that all three landing gear were torn from the airframe, the engine mounts and firewall were structurally damaged and both wings sustained structural damage. Examination of the engine and its related accessories by the FAA inspector did not disclose any mechanical problems or anomalies that would have contributed to the loss of engine power. The reason for the power loss could not be determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5140W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5140W-2013-11-20), registration cancelled 2013-11-20, S/N 28-170, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-160 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28) (registry code 7102801) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-170 - Airframe hours: 3565 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Patrick L. Lane - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 4, 1996, 50 hours before - Departed: WEA - Airport: WEA, Parker County, runway 35, 2,900 × 40 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 160 total, 105 in this make and model, 160 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 20° at 9 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: NFW, 39 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 19970514010799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970514010799A), May 14, 1997: Piper PA28160, Weatherford, TX, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Careened off end runway crossed I20. Hit trees. Right tank empty. Selector on left half full (-23) received phone call from comm center… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.