FTW97LA191

Factual narrative

On May 14, 1997, at 1830 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-160 airplane, N5140W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Weatherford, Texas. The non-instrument rated private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane, owned and operated by the pilot, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91 at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. Witnesses at the Parker County Airport reported observing the airplane in a nose high attitude while on initial takeoff climb, and subsequently heard the engine lose power. The witnesses further stated that the power to the engine was reestablished after the airplane's nose gear impacted the runway near the departure end of the runway. The airplane overran the departure end of the 2,889 foot runway, crossed Interstate 20, impacted trees and slid down an embankment, coming to rest in the upright position. The private pilot purchased the 1962 model airplane in March 1997, and just completed his last BFR in his airplane 4 days prior to the accident. In the enclosed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that he completed a detailed preflight and runup prior to departing on runway 35. He further stated that his preflight inspection revealed that the left tank contained 13 gallons and the right tank contained 12 gallons of fuel. The airport manager, who also coordinated and assisted in the recovery of the airplane to his ramp, confirmed that fuel was present in both tanks when the airplane was placed on the recovery trailer. The manager further stated that at the time of the recovery, the fuel selector was in the left tank position. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that all three landing gear were torn from the airframe, the engine mounts and firewall were structurally damaged and both wings sustained structural damage. Examination of the engine and its related accessories by the FAA inspector did not disclose any mechanical problems or anomalies that would have contributed to the loss of engine power. The reason for the power loss could not be determined. Witnesses at the airport reported observing the airplane in a nose high attitude while on initial takeoff climb, and subsequently, they heard the engine lose power. The witnesses further stated that the power to the engine was reestablished after the airplane's nose gear impacted the runway near the departure end. The airplane overran the departure end of runway 35, crossed Interstate 20, impacted trees, and slid down an embankment, coming to rest in the upright position. The pilot stated that his preflight inspection revealed that the left tank contained 13 gallons, and the right tank contained 12 gallons of fuel. Examination of the engine and its related accessories by an FAA inspector did not disclose any mechanical problems or anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12