# NTSB MKC89LA128: Waco UPF-7, N29309, Creve Coeur, MO, June 6, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 6, 1989, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Creve Coeur, MO
- Coordinates: 38.660675, -90.459396 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6607&lon=-90.4594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 19, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34805
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA128
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34805/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA128

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT BY THE PILOT AND CARBURETOR ICE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS, HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS AND TERRAIN CONDITIONS (CORN CROP).

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, AFTER ATTAINING AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 100 FT, THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER. HE INITIATED A SHALLOW RIGHT TURN TO AVOID TREES AND TO STAY OVER THE AIRPORT. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE IN AN ADJACENT CORN FIELD WHERE THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION. THE TEMPERATURE & DEW POINT WERE 81 AND 50 DEGREES, RESPECTIVELY. ACCORDING TO ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS, CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N29309](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N29309), registered now, S/N 5336, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WACO UPF-7
- Registry model: [Waco UPF-7](https://openairdocs.org/model/waco-upf-7) (registry code 9601302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5336
- Airframe hours: 2556
- Engines: CONTINENTAL W-670-6N 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Rwm Enterprises,Inc.
- Registered owner: Rwm Enterprises Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 11, 1988, 46 hours before
- Departed: 1H0
- Airport: 1HO, Creve Coeur, runway 25, 3,020 × 175 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,431 total, 52 in this make and model, 1,246 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SUS, 8 nm away

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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