NTSB Identification: MKC88FA040.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 37555.
Accident occurred Sunday, January 17, 1988 in CREVE COEUR, MO
Probable Cause Approval Date: 09/25/1989
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-140, registration: N1727J
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT SUDDENLY STARTED A VERTICAL CLIMB FROM A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL FLIGHT ATTITUDE. THE AIRPLANE LOST MOMENTUM WHILE IN THE CLIMB, THEN IT NOSED DOWN AND DOVE TOWARDS THE GROUND. IT EXPLODED UPON IMPACT AND WAS DESTROYED IN THE ENSUING POST-CRASH FIRE. CRUSH LINES ON THE FUSELAGE AND DEFORMITIES ON THE WINGS INDICATE THAT THE ANGLE OF MAIN IMPACT WAS APPROXIMATELY 46 DEGREES BELOW THE HORIZONTAL PLANE. ATTACHMENT, CONTINUITY, AND CORRECT TRAVEL WERE ESTABLISHED ON ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACES AND SYSTEMS. AN ENGINE TEARDOWN INSPECTION PRODUCED NO EVIDENCE THAT WOULD SUGGEST THE OCCURRENCE OF AN IN-FLIGHT POWERPLANT FAILURE.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
PROPER ALTITUDE..NOT MAINTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
AEROBATICS..PERFORMED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION..IMPROPER..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
OVERCONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
OVERCONFIDENCE IN AIRCRAFT'S ABILITY..PILOT IN COMMAND
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