# NTSB SEA83LA146: Piper PA-38-112, N4461E, Dixie, WA, July 11, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1983, 14:25 local (21:25 UTC)
- Place: Dixie, WA
- Coordinates: 46.15916, -118.150573 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1592&lon=-118.1506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39726
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39726/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA146

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - ignition system,spark plug - deteriorated (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER DEPARTURE THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH.THE PILOT DID A MAGNETO CHECK AND NOTED A DROP OF 300 RPM. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE INTO A FIELD OF TALL WHEAT.DURING LANDING ROLL THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK A HOLE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE BOTTOM PLUGS WERE FOULED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4461E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4461E-2012-11-30), registration cancelled 2012-11-30, S/N 38-78A0614, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-78A0614
- Airframe hours: 1110
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Kendrick
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, July 19, 1982, 131 hours before
- Departed: MHW, MOSES LAKE, WA
- Destination: LWS, LEWISTON, ID
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 13 total, 13 in this make and model, 7 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Observed at: ALW

## 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 19830711029639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830711029639A), Jul 11, 1983: Piper PA38112, Dixie, WA, Substantial damage. Rough engine en route. Made a precautionary landing in tall wheat field. Left main gear sheared on hitting a hole.

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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