# NTSB CHI83LA118: Piper PA-28-140, N8304R, Harrisville, MI, February 13, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 13, 1983, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Harrisville, MI
- Coordinates: 44.650234, -83.289184 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.6502&lon=-83.2892&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12094
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA118
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12094/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA118

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - touch-and-go - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING A TOUCH-AND-GO LANDING ON A SNOW COVERED RWY, THE ACFT HIT A CHUNK OF FROZEN SNOW. REPORTEDLY, HE HAD DEPARTED FROM THE SAME RWY & HAD BEEN MAKING TOUCH-AND-GO LANDING, BUT DID NOT SEE THE OBSTRUCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8304R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8304R), registered now, S/N 28-22171, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (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 22171
- Airframe hours: 3093
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Edward R. Higgins
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 11, 1982
- Airport: 5Y0, Harrisbille, runway 21, 2,140 × 185 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,050 total, 600 in this make and model, 36 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 12 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 18,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: APN, 25 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 19830213014599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830213014599A), Feb 13, 1983: Piper PA28140, Harrisville, MI, Substantial damage. Aircraft collided with a chunk of frozen snow while landing on a snow covered runway.

## Other investigations on N8304R (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 CHI75DEM34](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI75DEM34), Apr 6, 1975: Piper PA-28 (N8304R), Bay City, 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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