# NTSB SEA88LA191: Piper PA-28, N9550W, Troutdale, OR, October 1, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1988, 19:10 local (Oct 1, 1988, 02:10 UTC)
- Place: Troutdale, OR
- Coordinates: 45.519241, -122.35099 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5192&lon=-122.3510&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 19, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40898
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA191
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40898/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA191

## 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, takeoff
  - exhaust system - failure,partial (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - blocked(partial) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT SOON AFTER TAKEOFF, HE REALIZED THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT MUSHED INTO TREES & A RASPBERRY FIELD & WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED A PIECE OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT MUFF HAD BROKEN OFF & WAS INGESTED INTO THE CARBURETOR VENTURI.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9550W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9550W-2013-05-23), registration cancelled 2013-05-23, S/N 28-22984, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- 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: 2822984
- Airframe hours: 2397
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Timothy L. Hensley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 1, 1987, 90 hours before
- Departed: TTD
- Destination: TTD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 106 total, 12 in this make and model, 78 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 250° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TTD

## 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 19880930042889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880930042889A), Sep 30, 1988: Piper PA28140, Troutdale, OR, Substantial damage. Unable to climb on takeoff crashed into trees. Piece of carburetor heat muff broke off and blocked the venturi.

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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