On September 21, 1985, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9186W) operated by Lawrence P. Whistle was involved in an aviation accident near Sugar City, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying at full throttle during a mile-high air derby heard a muffled explosion while transmitting a position report, causing smoke to fill the cabin and necessitating an emergency landing in an open field.
What happened
The pilot was participating in a mile-high air derby between Denver, Colorado, and Taos, New Mexico. The aircraft was flying at an altitude of 50 feet above ground level (AGL) with the throttle set to full power. While transmitting a position report, the pilot depressed the microphone button and immediately heard a muffled explosion. Smoke rapidly filled the cabin, prompting the pilot to execute an emergency landing in an open field.
The investigation
No specific mechanical findings or inspection results are provided in the source text regarding the cause of the smoke or explosion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Sept 1985 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Sugar City, CO?
A pilot flying at full throttle during a mile-high air derby heard a muffled explosion while transmitting a position report, causing smoke to fill the cabin and necessitating an emergency landing in an open field.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Sept 1985 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9186W, operated by Lawrence P. Whistle, at Sugar City, CO.
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