# NTSB MKC83FA167: Pietenpal AIR Camper, N12938, Saint Ansgar, IA, July 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1983, 12:55 local (17:55 UTC)
- Place: Saint Ansgar, IA
- Coordinates: 43.370674, -92.909751 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.3707&lon=-92.9098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33341
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33341/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FA167

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
  - flight control,aileron - jammed (cause)
  - control interference - not identified, pilot in command
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED FOLLOWING TKOF FROM AN ENROUTE STOP DURING A X-COUNTRY FLT. THE PLT'S FRIEND WITNESSED THE TAKEOFF. THE WITNESS SAID THE PLT WAVED AFTER TAKEOFF AND THEN THE ACFT MADE A SHARP LEFT BANK WITH WINGS WAGGLING. THE ACFT ROLLED LEVEL AND ENTERED ANOTHER LEFT TURN OF 180 DEGREES WITH MORE WING WAGGLING AND A ENTRY INTO A SPIN. PARTIAL RECOVERY WAS MADE AFTER ONE TURN PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE PLT STATED THE AILERON CONTROL JAMMED BUT HE SHOOK IT LOOSE AND MADE A NORMAL SPIN RECOVERY BUT HAD INSUFFICIENT ALT AND IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12938](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N12938), registered now, S/N EMS-1, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIETENPAL AIR CAMPER
- Registry model: [Sampson PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER](https://openairdocs.org/model/sampson-pietenpol-aircamper) (registry code 70401UA) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Ford CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ford-conversion) (registry code 26701, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: EMS1
- Airframe hours: 330
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-80 80 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Edward M. Sampson
- Last inspection: Annual, June 20, 1983
- Destination: C37, BRODHEAD, WI
- Airport: runway 36, 1,500 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,118 total, 700 in this make and model, 1,078 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 32.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCW, 23 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 19830729036499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830729036499A), Jul 29, 1983: Amtrpl AIRCAMPER, St Ansgar, IA, Substantial damage. Lost control and entered a spin when ailerons jammed in a banked atitude. Gas can in front seat possible blockage.

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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