# NTSB LAX83FUJ46: Piper PA-28-235, N8850W, Kayenta, AZ, August 31, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1982, 16:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Kayenta, AZ
- Coordinates: 36.639343, -110.180053 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6393&lon=-110.1801&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71237
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FUJ46
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71237/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FUJ46

## 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, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Analysis

A WITNESS REPORTED THAT AT ABOUT 200-250 FT THE ENG SPUTTERED, THE ACFT LEVELED OFF & THE ENG STARTED AGAIN. THE ACFT THEN MADE A RIGHT TURN & THE ENG SPUTTERED AGAIN & QUIT. THE RIGHT WING DROPPED DRASTICALLY. NO MALFUNCTIONS WERE NOTED DURING THE ENG TEAR DOWN INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8850W (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2810805
- Airframe hours: 3509
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Paul A. Norcross & Denna Norcr
- Registered owner: Paul A. Norcross & Denna Norcr
- Departed: 0V7, KAYENTA, AZ
- Destination: 0V7, SHIPROCK, NM
- Airport: 0V7, Kayenta, runway 24, 4,210 × 50 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 20 knots

## 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 19820831042929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820831042929A), Aug 31, 1982: Piper PA28235, Kayenta, AZ, Destroyed. Witness reported engine sputtered on takeoff climb. Pilot began turn back and aircraft stalled. No engine defects.

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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