# NTSB CHI82DA028: Piper PA-38-112, N26093, Grand Rapids, MI, January 19, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: January 19, 1982, 15:36 local (20:36 UTC)
- Place: Grand Rapids, MI
- Coordinates: 42.870704, -85.619239 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8707&lon=-85.6192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 19, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70881
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70881/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA028

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - icy (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snow covered (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND WAS A STUDENT ON A CHECK FLIGHT FOR A PRIVATE LICENSE. THE CHECK PILOT WAS AN FAA INSPECTOR. THE FLIGHT WAS CONDUCTED FROM AN AIRPORT WITH RUNWAYS THAT WERE PARTIALLY COVERED WITH SNOW AND ICE. THE MISHAP OCCURRED WHILE THE PILOT WAS DEMONSTRATING A SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF ON THE THIRD DEPARTURE. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO VEER TO THE LEFT DURING ROTATION. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE THEN BROUGHT THE NOSE DOWN, SHUT THE POWER OFF, APPLIED BRAKES, AND THE AIRCRAFT SLID INTO THE SNOW. THE INSPECTOR REPORTED THAT THE PLANE LIFTED OFF PREMATURELY, THEN SETTLED BACK ONTO THE RUNWAY AFTER A VERY SHORT TIME. WHEN THE PLANE SLID TO THE LEFT OF THE CENTERLINE, THE INSPECTOR PUT HER FOOT ON THE RIGHT RUDDER PEDAL. SHE FOUND THAT THE PILOT ALREADY HAD IT COMPLETELY DEPRESSED. AS THE LEFT MAIN GEAR WENT INTO THE SNOW, THE AIRCRAFT WAS PULLED FARTHER LEFT. IT CAME TO REST 6 FEET OFF OF THE RUNWAY WITH DAMAGE TO THE PROPELLER, LEFT WING, AND AN ENGINE MOUNT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N26093](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N26093-2017-12-26), registration cancelled 2017-12-26, S/N 38-81A0115, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (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: 38-81AO115
- Airframe hours: 215
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2A 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Bartell Aviation
- Registered owner: James R Norberg
- Departed: GRR, GRAND RAPIDS, MI
- Destination: GRR, GRAND RAPIDS, MI
- Airport: GRR, Kent County, runway 8, 3,900 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 57 total, 48 in this make and model, 21 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRR

## 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 19820119001349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820119001349A), Jan 19, 1982: Piper PA38112, Grand Rapids, MI, Substantial damage. During flight test for private certificate, pilot allowed aircraft to veer off runway during soft field takeoff.

## Other investigations on N26093 (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 CHI84LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA005), Oct 2, 1983: Piper PA-38 (N26093), Portage, MI, substantial damage

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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