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Engine Failure During Touch-and-Go Practice Leads to Forced Landing (N2443K)

Selmer, TN, US

On December 27, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2443K) was involved in an aviation accident near Selmer, TN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR TO PLACE THE ENGINE MIXTURE CONTROL IN THE RICH POSITION PRIOR TO BEGINNING TRAFFIC PATTERN MANEUVERS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During touch-and-go landing practice, the engine failed on approach. A forced landing was made in a field, resulting in landing gear damage. Post-accident inspection revealed white spark plug electrodes, and a subsequent test with a lean mixture reproduced the coloration.

Overview

An instructor and a private-rated student were practicing touch-and-go landings. During the third approach, while abeam the runway numbers on the downwind leg, the engine stopped producing power. The instructor instructed the student to fly toward the runway while attempting to restart the engine, but the restart was unsuccessful. A forced landing was executed in an open field.

Damage

During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed, and one main landing gear was torn away from the aircraft. The extent of other damage is not specified in the report.

Post-Accident Examination

An FAA inspector examined the engine after the accident. The inspector noted that the spark plug electrodes were white in color. Further testing was conducted: the engine was operated with a very lean mixture setting, and afterward the spark plug electrodes exhibited the same white coloration as those observed after the accident.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 1989 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Selmer, TN?

During touch-and-go landing practice, the engine failed on approach. A forced landing was made in a field, resulting in landing gear damage. Post-accident inspection revealed white spark plug electrodes, and a subsequent test with a lean mixture reproduced the coloration.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 1989 Piper PA-38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 1989 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2443K, at Selmer, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR TO PLACE THE ENGINE MIXTURE CONTROL IN THE RICH POSITION PRIOR TO BEGINNING TRAFFIC PATTERN MANEUVERS. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE QUIT BECAUSE OF THE LEAN FUEL MIXTURE AT THE HIGH POWER SETTING REQUIRED FOR THE GO-AROUND AND DOWNWIND LEG.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29913. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.