Piper PA-28-140 N560DH

Summary

On 17 September 2006 at about 15:05 local time, a Piper PA-28-140 registered N560DH was involved in an accident near Prospect Height, Illinois, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 September 2006 at 15:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Prospect Height, Illinois, United States

Nearest airport

Palwaukee Muni (PWK)

Coordinates

42.1236, -87.9022

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-140

Registration

N560DH

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Chicago/Prospec → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI06LA263

2 people had minor injuries.

The partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to the flight crews failure to use carburetor heat and the flight instructor's inadequate planning/decision. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees and terrain after an engine failure after takeoff at about 150 feet above ground level. The CFI stated, "Normal takeoff ... At approximately 150 [feet above ground level] engine began developing less than full power. Unable to maintain altitude. Maneuvered to avoid houses and property. Last choice available - fly into tree." The student pilot stated, "At [about 150 feet above ground level] aircraft stopped climbing and CFI took over the controls. He checked the throttle, made sure it was fully applied. At that point aircraft was slowing down and loosing airspeed, altitude. Rpm's dropped to [about] 2300. Carburetor heat was not used during a flight." An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The carburetor heat lever was found in the off position. The local temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were plotted on a Transport Canada carburetor-icing chart. Their intersection fell in the moderate icing-cruise power or serious icing-descent power area.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.