Summary
On June 06, 1998, a Piper PA-28-140 (N4541R) was involved in an incident near Harrison, NE. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper positioning of the magneto switch and his improper use of the mixture control.
On June 6, 1998, at 1635 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N4541R, registered to and operated by a private pilot sustained substantial damage while conducting a forced landing about one mile northwest of the Harrison Sky Ranch Airport, near Harrison, Nebraska. The pilot said that after the run-up he forgot to set the magneto switch to the "both" position. He said the engine was not providing enough power to sustain flight on only one magneto and he elected to conduct a forced landing in an open field. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI98LA205. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4541R.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper positioning of the magneto switch and his improper use of the mixture control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 6, 1998, at 1635 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N4541R, registered to and operated by a private pilot sustained substantial damage while conducting a forced landing about one mile northwest of the Harrison Sky Ranch Airport, near Harrison, Nebraska. The pilot said that after the run-up he forgot to set the magneto switch to the "both" position. He said the engine was not providing enough power to sustain flight on only one magneto and he elected to conduct a forced landing in an open field. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was originating at the time with the intended destination of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
The pilot said after the accident he discovered the magneto switch to be selected to only one magneto. He said in his written statement that he did not use the mixture control to reduce the rich mixture which he believed might have also reduced the power output of the engine.
A subsequent examination of the airplane failed to reveal any pre-accident anomalies which might have contributed to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI98LA205