Piper PA-22-108 N4542Z

Summary

On 6 January 1999 at about 16:30 local time, a Piper PA-22-108 registered N4542Z was involved in an accident near Perry, Georgia, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 January 1999 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Perry, Georgia, United States

Nearest airport

Middle Georgia Airport (68GA)

Coordinates

32.4601, -83.7299

Aircraft

Piper PA-22-108

Registration

N4542Z

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA99LA065

Nobody was injured.

The maintenance personnel incorrect adjustment of the intake and exhaust valves resulting in the induction system fire and subsequent loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff while climbing through 200 feet, the engine rpm decreased to 1,500 rpm. He changed the throttle settings which had no effect and unable to maintain altitude, he maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing at a nearby sod farm. The airplane stalled, and landed hard just short of the intended touchdown location then nosed over. Examination of the airplane and engine by an FAA Airworthiness Inspector revealed that the fuel selector valve was improperly assembled; no detents could be felt. Also, cold differential compression readings for cylinder Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 were recorded to be 20, 19, 54, and 5 psi respectively. The No. 2 cylinder valves were adjusted and the cold compression reading increased to 50 plus psi. Fire damage was noted to the back side of the induction air filter assembly. The carburetor was found to contain a two-piece venturi when by an airworthiness directive, a one-piece venturi is required. The maintenance records indicated that a one-piece venturi was installed. The records also indicated that the rocker arms were adjusted on April 21, 1997. The airplane had accumulated approximately 85 hours since then at the time of the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.