# NTSB BFO86LA013: Piper PA-28-161, N4325V, Leesburg, VA, January 16, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 16, 1986, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Leesburg, VA
- Location: 39.1028° N, 77.5545° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Leesburg, VA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1028&lon=-77.5545&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11241
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO86LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11241/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO86LA013

## 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, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT STATED THAT UNEVEN BRAKING DURING LANDING CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO SWERVE OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. HE FURTHER ADDED THAT HE APPLIED FULL POWER SHORTLY THEREAFTER DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS HEADING FOR A DITCH. THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED THE DITCH AND TREES BEFORE BECOMING AIRBORNE AFTER WHICH THE PILOT LANDED THE AIRCRAFT WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4325V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4325V), registered now, S/N 28-8416017, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8416017
- Airframe hours: 476
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Janelle Aviation
- Registered owner: Phillip W. Loomis
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 4, 1985
- Airport: W09, Leesburg Municipal, runway 35, 3,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 40 total, 40 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAD, 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 19860116002449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860116002449A), Jan 16, 1986: Piper PA28161, Leesburg, VA, Substantial damage. Reported uneven braking caused swerve off runway. Began go around to avoid ditch. Made it. Landed without incident.

## Other investigations on N4325V (1)

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.

- [NTSB BFO89LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA068), Aug 13, 1989: Piper PA-28-161 (N4325V), Leesburg, VA, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN HIS INADVERTENT FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT, WHILE LANDING AT NIGHT…

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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