# NTSB LAX91LA279: Piper PA 28-140, N1898J, Flagstaff, AZ, June 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1991, 13:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Flagstaff, AZ
- Coordinates: 35.290008, -111.319046 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2900&lon=-111.3190&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27265
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA279
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27265/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA279

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO PROPERLY LOCK THE ENGINE PRIMER CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN AN OVER RICH FUEL TO AIR MIXTURE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fuel system,primer system - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - mixture - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

A PIPER PA 28-140 COLLIDED WITH TREES AFTER A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE WAS EXAMINED BY THE FAA. SIX OF THE EIGHT SPARK PLUGS EXHIBITED SOOTY DARK ELECTRODES. ACCORDING TO THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER, THE ELECTRODE APPEARANCE WAS INDICATIVE OF A RICH MIXTURE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE'S FUEL PRIMER REVEALED IT WAS UNLOCKED. ACCORDING TO THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OVER PRIMED OR RICH MIXTURE. THE RICH MIXTURE AND HIGH ALTITUDE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1898J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1898J), registered now, S/N 28-24344, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA 28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (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 24344
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Henry N. Halle
- Registered owner: Henry N. Halle
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Departed: FLG, FLAGSTAFF, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total, 300 in this make and model, 100 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLG, 15 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 19910627024359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910627024359A), Jun 27, 1991: Piper PA28140, Flagstaff, AZ, Substantial damage. Engine lost power. Forced down into trees. Fuel primer unlocked. Engine showed running too rich mixture and quit.

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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