# NTSB MIA88LA059: Piper PA-18-135, N8767C, Daytona Beach, FL, December 10, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 10, 1987, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Daytona Beach, FL
- Location: 29.2108° N, 81.0228° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Daytona Beach, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.2108&lon=-81.0228&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32107
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA88LA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32107/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA059

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,ignition lead - shorted (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - contamination (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - blocked(partial) (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,fuel control - disconnected (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - not performed, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - tree(s)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ALTHOUGH THE PLT STATED THAT HE PERFORMED A PREFLT & ENG RUNUP PRIOR TO DEPARTURE WITH NO PROBLEM NOTED, SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE CLIMBING THROUGH 350 FT, THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED TO & STAYED BETWEEN 1500 & 1600. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE ARPT. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES, THEN THE GROUND. THE PAX STATED THAT THE ENG RPM WAS FLUCTUATING DURING THE GROUND CHECK. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES THE ENG DID NOT APPEAR TO BE DEVELOPING FULL POWER AT DEPARTURE. POSTCRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CARBURETOR DISCHARGE NOZZLE WAS PLUGGED BY CONTAMINANTS. THE CARBURETOR HEAT & MIXTURE CONTROL CABLES WERE DISCONNECTED. ENG RUN REVEALED THAT THE LEFT MAGNETO WAS IMPROPERLY TIMED AND ALL LEADS OF THE RT MAGNETO WERE SHORTED. LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS DONE ON 9/24/86.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8767C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8767C-2014-11-20), registration cancelled 2014-11-20, S/N 18-2857, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-135
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-135) (registry code 7101820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 182857
- Airframe hours: 3251
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sartoretti, Frank
- Registered owner: Sartoretti, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 24, 1986, 141 hours before
- Airport: 44J, Spruce Creek

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 2,200 total, 820 in this make and model, 2,124 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 30,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAB, 6 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 19871210070079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871210070079A), Dec 10, 1987: Piper PA18135, Daytona Beach, FL, Substantial damage. Unable to get full power on takeoff, mushed into trees. Departed with express mag drop. Over gross. Out of annual etc

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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