On August 5, 1986, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N91356) was involved in an aviation accident near Grove City, PA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A CFI reported that after takeoff the aircraft leveled off and stopped climbing. Despite troubleshooting, the aircraft descended, hit trees, and crash-landed. Post-accident examination found one magneto inoperative due to a defective coil.
Accident Sequence
According to the instructor pilot (CFI), the incident began shortly after takeoff. While climbing out of ground effect, the aircraft seemed to level off and stop climbing. The CFI took control from the student and proceeded to check the instruments, but no specific abnormality was determined. He confirmed that the throttle and mixture controls were set to full forward. He then applied carburetor heat to test for possible carburetor ice. The stall warning sounded, so he moved the carburetor heat off and extended one notch of flaps. The aircraft began descending and subsequently hit trees before crash landing in a small field that was overgrown with vegetation.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination and engine run were conducted on the aircraft. The inspection revealed that one magneto had a defective coil and was inoperative. No other pre-impact mechanical problem was found. The engine run confirmed the magneto failure.
Pilot Information
The CFI had a total flight time of 355.4 hours. The flight involved a student pilot under instruction.