# NTSB MKC83LA039: Piper PA-28-140, N56689, West Plains, MO, December 18, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 18, 1982, 15:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: West Plains, MO
- Coordinates: 36.73925, -91.860496 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7392&lon=-91.8605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 18, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 73011
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73011/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83LA039

## 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)
  - fluid,fuel - improper
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

EARLIER IN THE DAY, THE PILOT HAD LANDED ON A HIGHWAY AFTER THE AIRCRAFT RAN LOW ON FUEL. HE PURCHASED 15 GAL OF AUTOMOBILE FUEL AND PUT IT IN THE AIRCRAFT FUEL TANKS. HE THEN TOOK OFF FROM THE HIGHWAY, FLEW TO AN AIRPORT AND ADDED AN ADDITIONAL 20 GAL OF 100LL, AVIATION FUEL. DURING TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AT ABOUT 150 TO 200 FT AGL. SUBSEQUENTLY, ONE WING WAS TORN OFF DURING A FORCED LANDING AND THE PLANE BURNED. A WITNESS STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT USED ALL OF THE 3100 FT RUNWAY DURING THE TAKEOFF. WATER WAS FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR BOWL; HOWEVER, THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED AND WATER COULD HAVE ENTERED DURING THE FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N56689](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N56689-2012-09-25), registration cancelled 2012-09-25, S/N 28-7425018, built 1973 (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: 28-7425018
- Airframe hours: 6990
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Walter H. Nitz, Jr.
- Registered owner: Walter H. Nitz, Jr.
- Departed: H63, WEST PLAINS, MO
- Destination: SGF, SPRINGFIELD, MO
- Airport: H63, West Plains Muni, runway 32, 3,200 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,067 total, 58 in this make and model, 1,049 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Temperature: 113 °F

## 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 19821218064619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821218064619A), Dec 18, 1982: Piper PA28140, West Plains, MO, Destroyed. Out of fuel, landed on highway. Put in auto fuel and flew to airport for avgas fuel. Engine then quit on takeoff.

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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