# NTSB CHI82DA106: Piper PA-32-300, N2866M, Van Wert, OH, March 30, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 30, 1982, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Van Wert, OH
- Coordinates: 40.860576, -84.579261 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8606&lon=-84.5793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72915
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA106
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72915/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA106

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - level off - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND HAD A PRIVATE, SINGLE-ENGINE-LAND, CERTIFICATE. THE OCCUPANT OF THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT WAS A COMMERCIAL, SINGLE-ENGINE-LAND, PILOT. THE LANDING APPROACH WAS MADE TO RUNWAY 27. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND ESTIMATED THAT THE WINDS WERE FROM 220 DEGREES AT 16 GUSTING 20 KNOTS. HE REPORTED THAT DURING LANDING, THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS FORCED THE PLANE OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND INTO A DITCH. A PASSENGER STATED THAT DURING THE LANDING, THE PLANE BOUNCED, HIT THE STRIP A SECOND TIME, AND WENT OUT OF CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2866M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2866M-2012-09-28), registration cancelled 2012-09-28, S/N 32-7940166, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 327940166
- Airframe hours: 800
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Whitman Aviation
- Registered owner: Whitman Aviation
- Departed: GREEN BAY, WI
- Destination: VNW, VAN WENT, OH
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: VNW, Van Wert Municipal, runway 27, 3,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 177 total, 28 in this make and model, 102 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 147 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19820330006789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820330006789A), Mar 30, 1982: Piper PA32300, Van Wert, OH, Substantial damage. Pilot lost control of aircraft during landing and it crashed into bank off side of runway.

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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