On June 4, 1988, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N9728J) operated by Tottenhoff, D.r./jahr, L.w. was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Springs, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequately maintained magnetoes. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed short of the runway during an attempted return after the pilot reported memory loss. Investigation found inadequately maintained magnetoes.
Incident Overview
Shortly after departing on the second leg of a cross-country flight, the pilot informed the flight service station (FSS) located on the airport that he was returning. The FSS technician on duty observed the aircraft turn final at an abnormally low altitude, after which the aircraft disappeared from view. The technician attempted radio contact and, when unsuccessful, sounded the crash alarm.
Aircraft Location and Condition
The aircraft was found approximately 1,500 feet short of the runway in a gully. No indication of difficulty had been radioed by the pilot.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed inadequately maintained magnetoes. The pilot reported total memory loss of the accident.
What happened in the 4 Jun 1988 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Rock Springs, WY?
An aircraft crashed short of the runway during an attempted return after the pilot reported memory loss. Investigation found inadequately maintained magnetoes.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jun 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N9728J, operated by Tottenhoff, D.r./jahr, L.w., at Rock Springs, WY.
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