# NTSB SEA85FA043: Piper PA-28-140D, N679FL, Kent, WA, January 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 13, 1985, 16:45 local (Jan 14, 1985, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Kent, WA
- Coordinates: 47.399772, -122.189994 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3998&lon=-122.1900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40028
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA043
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40028/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA043

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - tree(s)
  - proper climb rate - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES AND THE TERRAIN APRX 1/2 MILE SOUTH OF THE ARPT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. WITNESSES STATED THE ENG WAS RUNNING ROUGH AND BLACK SMOKE WAS TRAILING FROM THE EXHAUST DURING THE TAKEOFF. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG REVEALED THE SPARK PLUGS WERE DARK AND SOOTY. NO MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION WAS DISCLOSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N679FL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N679FL-2012-10-11), registration cancelled 2012-10-11, S/N 28-7125610, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140D
- 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: 28-7125610
- Airframe hours: 9775
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Delbert T. Sambila
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1984
- Departed: S36

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 224 total, 224 in this make and model, 80 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 43 °F

## 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 19850113021619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850113021619A), Jan 13, 1985: Piper PA28140, Kent, WA, Destroyed. Hit trees, wires, ground after takeoff. Engine rough, black smoke from exhaust. Over rich mixture, cause unknown.

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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