# NTSB ATL98LA068: Piper PA-28RT-201T, N2125N, Tampa, FL, April 28, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1998, 10:05 local (14:05 UTC)
- Place: Tampa, FL
- Coordinates: 28.080583, -82.529479 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.0806&lon=-82.5295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 2, 1999
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3986
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL98LA068
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3986/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA068

## Probable cause

In-flight collision with a bird, which separated a fuel line causing a loss of engine power, and resulting in an emergency landing on unsuitable terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,line - separation (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)

## Analysis

According to the pilot, and the FAA, immediately after takeoff, a large bird struck the front of the airplane and entered into the engine compartment. The impact separated a fuel line and a loss of engine power occurred. Subsequently, the engine stopped and the pilot made an emergency landing into a rough field collapsing the left main gear and striking a tree with the left wing substantially damaging the airplane.

## Factual narrative

On April 28, 1998, about 1005 eastern daylight time a Piper PA-28RT-201T, N2125N, collided with a bird shortly after takeoff at the Vandenberg Airport, in Tampa, Florida. The airplane was operated by the certified flight instructor under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, immediately after rotation, a large bird struck the front of the airplane and entered into the engine compartment. Subsequently, the engine stopped and the pilot made an emergency landing into a rough field collapsing the left main gear and striking a tree with the left wing substantially damaging the airplane.

According to the FAA, after takeoff at about 500 feet above ground level (AGL) on climb out the airplane struck a bird. The impact separated a fuel line and a loss of engine power occurred. The airplane landed in an open field approximately 2 miles from runway 18.

The owner and pilot were sent an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 Pilot/operator report, but did not return it.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2125N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2125N-2018-01-11), registration cancelled 2018-01-11, S/N 28R-7931043, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28RT-201T (PA-28RT-20)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28RT-201T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28rt-201t) (registry code 7102817) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7931043
- Engines: Continental TSIO-360 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leading Edge Aviation Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: X16
- Airport: X16, Vandenberg Airport, runway 18, 3,260 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 375 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TPA, 5 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 19980428012379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980428012379A), Apr 28, 1998: Piper PA28RT201T, Tampa, FL, Substantial damage. On climbout large bird struck PA28 and entered engine compartment. Lost power. Landed rough field. Wing hit a tree. (.4) on April 28, 1998, about 1005 eastern…

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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