# NTSB FTW99LA230: Piper PA-28-180, N8981J, Weatherford, TX, August 21, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 21, 1999, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Weatherford, TX - Coordinates: 32.750209, -97.769142 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7502&lon=-97.7691&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 4, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47129 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA230 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47129/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA230 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power during the initial takeoff climb for an undetermined reason. 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, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with object, descent - emergency - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) - object - wall/barricade ## Analysis The pilot taxied to the run-up area and started the pre-takeoff checklist. He reported that while performing the magneto check, he noticed a '300 rpm drop on both mags.' To correct this, the pilot stated that he 'ran the rpm up to 2000 and leaned the mixture for approximately one minute.' He performed a magneto check again which resulted in a '75 rpm drop on both sides.' During takeoff from runway 17, 'everything seemed normal', however, during the takeoff initial climb, the engine 'quit.' The airplane was approximately 50 feet agl when it began to settle to the ground. The pilot lowered the nose in order to 'gain speed', and realized he had only approximately 50 to 100 feet of runway left. As the airplane neared some trees, the pilot tried to 'pull up;' however, the airplane impacted the trees and came to a stop upright against a retaining wall. The reason for the loss of engine power was undetermined. ## Factual narrative On August 21, 1999, at 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180 single-engine airplane, N8981J, registered to and operated by private individuals, was substantially damaged during takeoff from the Parker County Airport near Weatherford, Texas. The private pilot sustained minor injuries and his sole passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot fueled the aircraft before takeoff with a total of 50 gallons of fuel. The pilot taxied to the run-up area and started the pre-takeoff checklist. He reported that while performing the magneto check, he noticed a "300 rpm drop on both mags." To correct this, the pilot stated he "ran the rpm up to 2000 and leaned the mixture for approximately one minute." He performed a magneto check again, which resulted in a "75 rpm drop on both sides." The pilot then initiated a takeoff from runway 17 during which "everything seemed normal." The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb, the engine "quit." The airplane was approximately 50 feet agl when it began to settle to the ground. The pilot lowered the nose in order to "gain speed", and realized he had only approximately 50 to 100 feet of runway left. As the airplane neared some trees, he "pulled up" to clear them; however, the airplane impacted the trees. Subsequently, the airplane came to a stop upright against a retaining wall. Examination of the airplane wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed that the leading edges of both wings were damaged, and the outboard one-foot of the left wing was partially separated. The fuselage sustained substantial structural damage. A fuel sample was observed to be clear and free of contamination. A witness reported to an FAA inspector that the airplane's engine was running rough prior to takeoff. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8981J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8981J-2000-03-13), registration cancelled 2000-03-13, S/N 28-3004 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-180 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-3004 - Airframe hours: 33550 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Kenneth R. Olson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 22, 1999, 10 hours before - Departed: WEA - Airport: WEA, Parker County, runway 17, 2,889 × 40 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 282 total, 120 in this make and model, 203 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 120° at 7 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MWL, 20 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 19990821013269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990821013269A), Aug 21, 1999: Piper PA28180, Weatherford, TX, Substantial damage. Acft took off, cleared a perimeter fence, lost altitude, crashed in a field, and struck a tree. (-23)on August 21, 1999, at 1055 a Piper PA-28-180,… ## Other investigations on N8981J (1) 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. - [NTSB FTW67D0297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW67D0297), Oct 28, 1966: Piper PA-28 (N8981J), Tahoka, TX, substantial damage 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.