# NTSB ATL85LA174: Piper PA-12, N2378M, Hickory, NC, May 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 27, 1985, 10:07 local (14:07 UTC)
- Place: Hickory, NC
- Location: 35.7411° N, 81.3896° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at HICKORY RGNL (HKY), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7411&lon=-81.3896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6802
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA174
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6802/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA174

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE PLT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE ACFT & IT GROUND LOOPED & RAN OFF THE RWY. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT, THE LEFT GEAR COLLAPSED & THE LEFT WING WAS DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2378M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2378M), registered now, S/N 12-1623, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12-1623
- Airframe hours: 1635
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Phillip D. Roper
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, January 16, 1985
- Departed: GSO, GREENSBORO, NC
- Airport: HKY, Hickory Muni, runway 29, 2,705 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 320 total, 5 in this make and model, 276 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HKY, 1 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850527020769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850527020769A), May 27, 1985: Piper PA12, Hickory, NC, Substantial damage. Ground looped during light crosswind landing.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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