# NTSB CHI85LA311: Piper PA-28-140, N32858, Culver, IN, July 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1985, 09:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Culver, IN
- Coordinates: 41.210758, -86.420677 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2108&lon=-86.4207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13161
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA311
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13161/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA311

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - condition(s)/step(s) insufficiently defined, flight instructor(on ground) (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - object - tree(s)
  - go-around - initiated, pilot in command
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT WAS ATTEMPTING HIS FIRST SOLO LANDING AND HAD DIFFICULTY CORRECTING FOR THE CROSSWIND. WHEN HE WAS OVER THE THRESHOLD, HE INITIATED A GO-AROUND. THE ACFT DRIFTED TO THE LEFT OF THE RWY AND COLLIDED WITH TREES 200 FT FROM THE RWY CENTERLINE. DURING PHONE CONVERSATION WITH THE STUDENT, HE HAD MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CONTROL INPUTS DURING CROSSWIND LANDINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N32858 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7515259
- Airframe hours: 4824
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Culver Educational Foundation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 7, 1985, 78 hours before
- Airport: IN73, Fleet Field, runway 8, 2,500 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 16; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 16 total, 16 in this make and model, 16 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19850723033839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850723033839A), Jul 23, 1985: Piper PA28140, Culver, IN, Substantial damage. On first solo, student initiated a go around but allowed aircraft to drift. Struck trees 200 feet from centerline.

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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