# NTSB MKC84LA037: Piper PA-32-300, N4026R, Garnett, KS, December 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 14, 1983, 21:30 local (Dec 15, 1983, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Garnett, KS
- Coordinates: 38.279529, -95.230934 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2795&lon=-95.2309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33601
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33601/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA037

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel boost pump selector position - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ENROUTE PILOT WAS RUNNING THE ACFT USING THE RIGHT MAIN FUEL TANK. HE SWITCHED TO THE LEFT TO BALANCE THE LOAD AND THE ENGINE QUIT ABOUT 10 SECONDS AFTER BEING SWITCHED. THE PILOT COULD NOT RESTART THE ENGINE AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD. THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A TREE AND SHEARED OFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4026R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4026R-2017-02-22), registration cancelled 2017-02-22, S/N 32-40322, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-40322
- Airframe hours: 2057
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K145 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dr. Leon Ernster
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 8, 1983, 25 hours before
- Departed: TXK, TEXARKANA, AR
- Destination: RST, ROCHESTER, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,800 total, 98 in this make and model, 1,200 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 360° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKC, 60 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 19831214063599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831214063599A), Dec 14, 1983: Piper PA32300, Garnett, KS, Substantial damage. Engine quit shortly after switching tanks. Sheared off a wing during night landing in a pasture.

## Other investigations on N4026R (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC73DNC40](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC73DNC40), Nov 25, 1972: Piper PA-32 (N4026R), Ludlow, VT, substantial damage

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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