# NTSB MKC85LA129: Piper PA-28-181, N83815, Ogallala, NE, June 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 13, 1985, 07:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Ogallala, NE
- Coordinates: 41.129627, -101.720283 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1296&lon=-101.7203&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33963
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33963/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA129

## 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 - exhaustion (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, cruise - normal
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable

## Analysis

PLT REPORTS THAT THE ENG QUIT DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE POWER LOSS OCCURRED 2 HRS. AFTER T/O, 3 MI FROM DEST. PLT HAD TO MANEUVER AROUND OBSTACLE IN FIELD DURING LANDING AND LANDED HARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83815](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N83815-2017-06-30), registration cancelled 2017-06-30, S/N 28-8190225, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 288190225
- Airframe hours: 240
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Louis C. Whitmore
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 11, 1984, 11 hours before
- Departed: OFK, NORFOLK, NE
- Destination: OGA, OGALLALA, NE
- Airport: Unknown

## 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; seat: left; flight hours: 276 total, 276 in this make and model, 242 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19850613026289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850613026289A), Jun 13, 1985: Piper PA28181, Ogallala, NE, Substantial damage. Fuel exhaustion near airport. Stalled aircraft about 6 feet above ground to avoid irrigation pipe in field.

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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