# NTSB MKC82DA112: Piper PA-24-250, N5540P, Oberlin, KS, July 2, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1982, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Oberlin, KS
- Coordinates: 39.820465, -100.530883 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8205&lon=-100.5309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 2, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72072
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82DA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72072/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA112

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, copilot/second pilot (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOTS ABORTED A LANDING BECAUSE OF SUSPECTED LANDING GEAR PROBLEMS. ON THE SUBSEQUENT APPROACH THE ENGINE STOPPED WHEN THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS CORRECTLY CHANGED BY ONE PILOT AND RESET INCORRECTLY BY THE OTHER PILOT. DURING THE FORCED LANDING THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH AN EMBANKMENT, DAMAGED THE PROP AND COLLAPSED THE LANDING GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5540P (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-604
- Airframe hours: 2845
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540A 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald W. Fowler
- Registered owner: Ronald W. Fowler
- Departed: HYS
- Destination: K80
- Airport: K80

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 229 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 194 °F

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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