# NTSB MKC87FA094: Piper PA-28-140, N44213, Neelyville, MO, April 29, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 29, 1987, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Neelyville, MO
- Coordinates: 36.549095, -90.510269 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5491&lon=-90.5103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34290
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87FA094
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34290/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87FA094

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - wind information - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE P.I.C. HAD ABORTED SEVERAL TAKEOFF ATTEMPTS WHILE TRYING TO DEPART TO THE NORTH--THE WINDS WERE ORIGINATING FROM THE SOUTHWEST AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. THE AIRCRAFT EVENTUALLY DEPARTED FROM, AND ALMOST USED THE FULL LENGTH OF, RUNWAY 36. IT THEN BROKE GROUND AND CLIMBED STEEPLY TO AVOID THE TREES--BUT TO NO AVAIL--ACCORDING TO WITNESSES. THE RIGHT WING SHEARED OFF AS THE AIRCRAFT CAREENED THROUGH THE WOODS BEFORE EXPLODING AND BURNING AS IT CAME TO REST. THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER WERE FOUND SERIOUSLY INJURED OUTSIDE THE WRECKAGE, BUT THE ALMOST IMMEDIATE EXPLOSION/CONFLAGRATION PRECLUDED THEIR TIMELY RESCUE BY CFR PERSONNEL. SAMPLES OF AUTO GAS WERE FOUND IN THE POWERPLANT; NO RECORD OF AN FAA-APPROVED STC FOR THE USE OF AUTOMOTIVE FUEL COULD BE PRODUCED. ACCORDING TO EVIDENCE GATHERED AT THE SCENE, THE ENGINE WAS PRODUCING POWER AT THE MOMENT OF INITIAL IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N44213](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N44213-2012-11-29), registration cancelled 2012-11-29, S/N 28-7425395, built 1974 (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: 287425395
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles E. Fowler
- Registered owner: Fowler, Charles E
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: NONE, runway 36, 1,425 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CGI, 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 19870429014079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870429014079A), Apr 29, 1987: Piper PA28140, Neelyville, MO, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Tried to take off from private strip. Sheared a wing on trees. Crashed and burned. Victims were not belted in.

## Other investigations on N44213 (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 MKC84LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA233), Jul 1, 1984: Piper PA-28-140 (N44213), No Little Rock, AR, 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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