# NTSB MKC89FA096: Piper PA-28-140, N4315J, Wellsville, KS, April 23, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1989, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Wellsville, KS
- Coordinates: 38.710327, -95.080192 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7103&lon=-95.0802&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34678
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89FA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34678/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA096

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE DESCENT FOR LANDING WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AT A CRITICAL TIME IN FLIGHT, A GO-AROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A GO-AROUND AFTER INITIATING A DOWNWIND APPROACH TO LAND. THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE LOST POWER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB OF THE GO-AROUND. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TURN BACK TOWARD THE RUNWAY TO EXECUTE A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A FIELD APPROXIMATELY 1,056 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. EXISTING METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICING. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD QUIT TWO TIMES AFTER ENTERING THE LANDING PATTERN. ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. AN EYEWITNESS STATED THAT HE OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT WITHIN THIRTY FEET OF HIS POSITION AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 FEET OFF THE GRASS RUNWAY IN A LANDING ATTITUDE. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RUN AFTER REPLACING THE CARBURETOR AND FUEL STRAINER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4315J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4315J-2013-07-16), registration cancelled 2013-07-16, S/N 28-22689, built 1967 (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: 28-22689
- Airframe hours: 2307
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wilson, Charles G.
- Registered owner: Charles E Wilson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 17, 1988, 26 hours before
- Departed: TOP, TOPEKA, KS
- Destination: K81, OSAWATOMIE, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 143 total, 143 in this make and model, 19 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IXD, 31 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 19890423009619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890423009619A), Apr 23, 1989: Piper STCPA28, Wellsville, KS, Substantial damage. Engine stopped on climbout from a downwind low pass over private strip. Stalled, impacted plowed area.

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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