# NTSB SEA89LA137: Piper PA-22, N3700P, Meridian, ID, July 20, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1989, 17:25 local (23:25 UTC)
- Place: Meridian, ID
- Coordinates: 43.589733, -116.419242 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5897&lon=-116.4192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41052
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41052/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA137

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY POSITION THE FUEL SELECTOR, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION, HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE, AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT (FAILURE TO SEE & AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS). THE POWER LINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD HE HAD BEEN HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH A MAGNETO & WAS GOING TO FLY THE ACFT TO EMMETT, IDAHO FOR ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE.  WHILE EN ROUTE AT 2000 AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER.  THE PLT BEGAN AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD.  HOWEVER, JUST BEFORE LANDING, THE ACFT HIT A POWER LINE & CRASHED.  AN INSPN OF THE ACFT REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT TANK, WHICH WAS EMPTY.  THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS SO AWARE OF A POSSIBLE MAGNETO PROBLEM THAT HE DID NOT THINK TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3700P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3700P-2013-08-13), registration cancelled 2013-08-13, S/N 22-3416, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22) (registry code 7102202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-3416
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert H. Elton
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: S67, NAMPA, ID
- Destination: S78, EMMETT, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 578 total, 175 in this make and model, 578 as pilot in command, 93 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 52 °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 19890720024209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890720024209A), Jul 20, 1989: Piper PA22, Meridian, ID, Substantial damage. Ran a tank dry en route. Believed was prior mag out again and ignored fuel. Hit wires forced landing on a road.

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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