# NTSB CEN21LA112: Piper PA-32R-301, N35718, Sparta, MI, January 12, 2021

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report
- Date: January 12, 2021, 16:58 local (21:58 UTC)
- Place: Sparta, MI
- Coordinates: 43.13002, -85.67238
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.1300&lon=-85.6724&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 102521
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN21LA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/102521/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=102521
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA112

## Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glideslope during final approach, which resulted in contact with a snowbank at the approach end of the runway.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-32R-301, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=7103218), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: identification/recognition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-32R-301, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md?model=7103218), [All aircraft, 559 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-VFR pattern final: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-32R-301, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7103218), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Piper PA-32R-301, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=7103218), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094); cases with it: [Piper PA-32R-301, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md?model=7103218), [All aircraft, 1,787 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The airplane touched down short of the runway and encountered a snowbank adjacent to the approach threshold. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded along the runway before coming to rest. The pilot reported that he “misjudged the end of the runway” during landing after executing a GPS approach. There were no malfunctions associated with the airplane before the accident. He noted that maintaining the glideslope guidance provided by the precision approach path indicator would have prevented the accident. Additionally, canceling his instrument flight plan while on the approach “proved distracting.” The snowbank was less than 3-ft high and would not have been an issue had the pilot maintained the proper approach glideslope. Although the airframe accumulated about 1/2 inch of ice during the descent and approach, there is no evidence that it contributed to the accident.

## Factual narrative

On January 12, 2021, at 1658 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301, N35718, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Paul C. Miller Airport (8D4), Sparta, Michigan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, main landing gear tire tracks in the snow cover indicated that the airplane touched down about 18 ft short of the runway. It subsequently encountered a snowbank less than 3 ft in height adjacent to the runway threshold. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded down the runway before coming to rest about 1,000 ft. from the approach threshold. The pilot reported that he “misjudged the end of the runway” after executing a GPS approach and the airplane impacted a snowbank at the end of the runway. There were no malfunctions associated with the airplane before the accident. He noted that maintaining the glideslope guidance provided by the precision approach path indicator might have prevented the accident. Additionally, cancelling his instrument flight plan while still on the approach “proved distracting.” He added that the airframe accumulated about 1/2 inch of ice during the descent and approach in instrument meteorological conditions, but that the airplane was “flying well.” The pilot obtained a preflight weather briefing before the accident flight. He was advised of the airman’s meteorological information (AIRMET) advisories in effect for icing and instrument conditions. Multiple pilot reports (PIREPS) for in-flight airframe icing were received by air traffic control, along with one negative icing report. The airplane was not certificated for flight into icing conditions.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N35718](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N35718), registered now, S/N 32R-8013032, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-301) (registry code 7103218) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-8013032
- Year built: 1979
- Airframe hours: 5293
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 4, 2020
- Departed: I23, Washington Court House, OH
- Destination: Same as departure
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: 8D4, Paul C Miller, runway 25, 4,032 × 75 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: Auto-pilot, Angle of attack indicator, ADS-B, Stall warning system

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; last flight review July 4, 2020; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,546 total, 1,335 in this make and model, 1,546 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night
- Wind: 190° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 900 ft overcast
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Icing: Rime
- Observed at: KGRR, 16 nm away
- METAR: KGRR 122242Z 19009KT 6SM BR OVC011 M01/M03 A3001 RMK AO2 T10061028

## 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 20210112000229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210112000229A), Jan 12, 2021: Piper PA-32R-301, Sparta, MI, Substantial damage. On January 12, 2021 at approximately 17:00 EST, a Piper saratoga, N35718, [privacy data omitted] operated by a private pilot for a personal flight received…

## Docket (23 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 13, 2022, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=102521. 102 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 452 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12146123&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Rpt%20--%20CEN21LA112_redacted-Rel.pdf
- Plot of airplane position data (item 2, PDF, 2 pages, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12188921&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Plot%20of%20Position%20Data-Rel.pdf
- Plot of airplane airspeed data (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 46 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12193312&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airspeed%20Plot-Rel.pdf
- ADS-B data file (item 4, CSV, 21.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12146587&FileExtension=csv&FileName=20210112_A4016A_444453427_ADSB-Rel.csv
- Airport manager statement (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 166 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12188894&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ROC%20--%20ArptMgr%20(Marty%20Coaker)%20--%2014Jan2021-Rel.pdf
- FAA inspector statement (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 160 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12145664&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ROC%20--%20FAA%20(Tom%20Kozura)%20--%2013Jan2021-Rel.pdf
- Accident photos (item 7, PDF, 8 pages, 2.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12146399&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Photos%20--%20CEN21LA112-Rel.pdf
- ATC transcript (item 8, PDF, 3 pages, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12182686&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ATC%20Transcript%20--%20N35718-Rel.pdf
- FAA terminal procedure -- paul miller-sparta airport / RNAV (GPS) rwy 25 (item 9, PDF, 1 page, 228 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12146619&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=RNAV_GPS_25-Rel.pdf
- Pilot's operating handbook (excerpt) -- stall speeds (item 10, PDF, 3 pages, 135 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12193814&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=POH%20(Excerpt)%20--%20Stall%20Speed-Rel.pdf
- Weather factual report (item 11, PDF, 33 pages, 4.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12195924&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN21LA112_weatherfactualSuffernfinal-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 1 (item 12, XPS, 98 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197032&FileExtension=xps&FileName=attachment1_8D4AWOSobservations-Rel.xps
- Weather attachment 2 (item 13, GIF, 20.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197786&FileExtension=gif&FileName=attachment2_SATanimation2101to2301utc_NTmicroimagery_CODNEXLAB-GOES-East-subregional-Carolinas-02-16_01Z-20210113_map-id_-25-1n-10-100-Rel.gif
- Weather attachment 3 (item 14, PDF, 5 pages, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197083&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=attachment3_GFAimagedata-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 4 (item 15, PDF, 81 pages, 389 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197884&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=attachment4_Briefing%20History%20I23-8D4%20011121%202258Z%20-%20Copy-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 5 (item 16, PDF, 83 pages, 401 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197042&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=attachment5_Briefing%20History%20I23-8D4%20011221%201857Z%20-%20Copy-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 6 (item 17, PDF, 115 pages, 473 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197796&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=attachment6_Briefing%20History%20KCRE-I23%20011121%202255Z%20-%20Copy-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 7 (item 18, PDF, 4 pages, 256 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197563&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=attachment7_N35718_flight%20plan%20and%20briefing%20log%201-11-21%20-%20Copy_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 8 (item 19, PDF, 4 pages, 254 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12196900&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=attachment8_N35718_flight%20plan%20and%20briefing%20log%201-12-21%20-%20Copy_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 9 (item 20, PDF, 32 pages, 269 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12198003&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=attachment9_Route%20Standard%20Briefing%20at%20Jan%2012%20-%20Copy-Rel.pdf
- Weather attachment 10 (item 21, WMA, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197412&FileExtension=wma&FileName=attachment10_N35718%20011121%20-%20Copy-Rel.wma
- Weather attachment 11 (item 22, WMA, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12197573&FileExtension=wma&FileName=attachment11_N35718%20011221%20-%20Copy-Rel.wma
- Weather attachment 12 (item 23, ZIP, 41.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12198013&FileExtension=zip&FileName=attachment12_CIP_FIPimagery-Rel.zip

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.