Piper PA-28-140 N32285

Summary

On 22 February 2007 at about 18:30 local time, a Piper PA-28-140 registered N32285 was involved in an accident near Saluda, Virginia, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

22 February 2007 at 18:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Saluda, Virginia, United States

Nearest airport

Hummel Field Airport (W75)

Coordinates

37.5847, -76.4486

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-140

Registration

N32285

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Saluda → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC07LA068

1 person was seriously injured.

The improper repair of the carburetor heat control linkage by person(s) unknown. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to takeoff, with the engine developing partial power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the pretakeoff runup of the PA-28-140, the engine ran rough at first, but according to the pilot he was able to "burn it off." He then initiated a takeoff, though the engine was a "little sluggish," and it would only produce 2,200 rpm, which was "a little lower than normal." After takeoff the engine would not produce enough power to continue the climb. At approximately 500 feet above ground level, the pilot attempted to increase the power output of the engine by switching fuel tanks, turning the electric fuel pump on and then off, the carburetor heat on and then off, and jiggling the throttle, all without result. The airplane then began to "mush" and impacted water. The pilot was able to extricate himself despite incurring back injuries. After recovery of the airplane, it was discovered that an aluminum bracket on the throttle body that attached to the carburetor heat control cable had broken. The bracket displayed evidence of having been previously repaired by welding, and the break was discovered to be located at the weld. The carburetor heat plate was discovered to be approximately half open. The carburetor heat control in the cockpit was however, in the "OFF" position.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.