# NTSB MKC85LA201: Piper PA-24-250, N6903P, Weskan, KS, August 31, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1985, 18:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Weskan, KS
- Coordinates: 38.859634, -101.959869 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8596&lon=-101.9599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34020
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA201
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34020/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA201

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PLT RPTD A HIGH ENG OIL TEMPERATURE & LOW OIL PRESSURE WHILE MANEUVERING OVER A SIESMIC OPERATION SITE IN WEST KANSAS. THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHEN IT CONTACTED A DITCH DURING A FORCED LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6903P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6903P), registered now, S/N 242037, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-D4A5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-d4a5) (registry code 41798, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-2037
- Airframe hours: 3003
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aviation Associates
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 29, 1985, 26 hours before
- Departed: 1V5, BOULDER, CO
- Destination: 45V, CHEYENNE WELLS, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 736 total, 207 in this make and model, 615 as pilot in command, 76 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 100 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GDL, 21 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 19850831064139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850831064139A), Aug 31, 1985: Piper PA24250, Weskan, KS, Substantial damage. Oil temperature rise and pressure dropped while orbiting in 101 degree heat. Landed on road striking sagebrush.

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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