# NTSB CHI85LA223: Piper PA-31-T, N777YR, Rochester, IN, June 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1985, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Rochester, IN
- Coordinates: 41.060939, -86.190994 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0609&lon=-86.1910&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): 13086
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA223
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13086/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA223

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, landing - flare/touchdown
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - flare - premature, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - runway

## Analysis

WHEN THE PLT REDUCED POWER & FLARED, THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE RWY. THE ACFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANITIAL DAMAGE WHEN THE LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE EDGE OF THE RAISED RWY SURFACE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N777YR (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-T
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31T8166063
- Engines: P&W PT6A-135 turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Minnestrista Corp.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MIE, MUNCIE, IN
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: RCR, Fulton Co., runway 29, 3,200 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 10,580 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken

## 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 19850605022759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850605022759A), Jun 5, 1985: Piper PA31T2, Rochester, IN, Substantial damage. Landed short of runway after reducing power. Damage to spar and right strut as aircraft struck one inch runway lip.

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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