# NTSB MKC85FCA01: Piper PA-140, N5741U, Lemay, MO, March 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: March 7, 1985, 13:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Lemay, MO
- Coordinates: 38.520931, -90.290626 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5209&lon=-90.2906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33857
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FCA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33857/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FCA01

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DURING A FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING A LOSS OF POWER. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO FUEL WAS PRESENT IN EITHER FUEL TANK AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL SPILLAGE AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5741U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5741U-2012-06-14), registration cancelled 2012-06-14, S/N 28-26557, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-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: 2826557
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles L. Nichols
- Registered owner: Cheric Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 18, 1983
- Departed: 6M1, HEBER SPRINGS, AK
- Destination: 1HO, CREVE COEUR, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 295 total, 41 in this make and model, 244 as pilot in command, 68 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: STL

## 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 19850307005979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850307005979A), Mar 7, 1985: Piper PA28140, Lemay, MO, Destroyed. Fuel exhaustion en route. Struck trees and ground. Aircraft out of annual, unapproved seat belts failed.

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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