# NTSB SEA95LA061: Piper PA-22-150, N4778A, Forks, WA, March 5, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 5, 1995, 11:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Forks, WA
- Coordinates: 47.790985, -124.260627 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7910&lon=-124.2606&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 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42119
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA95LA061
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42119/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA061

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT ABOUT 30 MINUTES INTO A LOCAL FLIGHT HE HEARD A STRANGE POPPING NOISE AND STARTED LOSING RPMS. HE CHECKED THE MIXTURE CONTROL, SWITCHED FUEL TANKS, APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT, AND ATTEMPTED OTHER CORRECTIVE ACTION. WHEN POWER WAS NOT REGAINED, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING ON A GRAVEL BAR IN A RIVER.  THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DURING ROLLOUT.  THE ENGINE HAD 1000 RPM WHEN THE AIRCRAFT STOPPED.  FAA INSPECTORS FOUND THE AIRCRAFT TO HAVE NOT HAD AN ANNUAL INSPECTION IN SEVERAL YEARS, AND FOUND MULTIPLE MECHANICAL DISCREPANCIES; NONE OF WHICH WOULD PRECLUDE THE ENGINE FROM OPERATING.

## Factual narrative

On March 5, 1995, approximately 1130 hours Pacific standard time (pst), a Piper PA-22-150, N4778A, registered to and being flown by a certificated private pilot, was substantially damaged when the nose gear collapsed during landing rollout following a partial loss of power while in cruise. The accident occurred near Forks, Washington, and the pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Forks approximately 1100.      The pilot reported that at 1500 feet MSL the engine popped several times and began losing power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing to a sand bar in the Hoh River, during which the nose landing gear impacted a large rock and separated.      The pilot, whose last medical was issued September 4, 1991, reported to the FAA that the aircraft had not had an annual inspection for several years and that he was utilizing auto gas at the time of the accident.       Inspection of the aircraft by FAA inspectors revealed multiple mechanical discrepancies and maintenance deficiencies, however nothing obvious was found that could cause the loss of power described by the pilot.  The carburetor heat control was in the on position.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4778A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4778A-2013-07-10), registration cancelled 2013-07-10, S/N 22-3928, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-3928
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aplin, James, R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 26, 1988, 78 hours before
- Departed: S18

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 437 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: UIL, 20 nm away

## 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 19950305003119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950305003119A), Mar 5, 1995: Piper PA22150, Forks, WA, Substantial damage. Lost power. Landed on sandbar in river. Nose gear broke off on large rock. Out of annual and poor condition.

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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