# NTSB CHI86LA132: Piper PA-22, N3321A, Griffith, IN, April 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 27, 1986, 13:56 local (18:56 UTC)
- Place: Griffith, IN
- Coordinates: 41.520298, -87.420532 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5203&lon=-87.4205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13454
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13454/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA132

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight control,aileron - binding(mechanical) (cause)
  - flight control,elevator - binding(mechanical) (cause)
  - flight control,aileron - inoperative (cause)
  - flight control,elevator - inoperative (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF AND WHILE CLIMBING THROUGH 60 FT AGL THE PLT COULD NOT MOVE THE AILERON TO RECOVER FROM A 15 DEG LEFT BANK. THE PLT REDUCED POWER AND LANDED THE ACFT IN A LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE. THE ACFT SLID AND STRUCK A CREEK BANK WITH THE RIGHT WING. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE RUDDER PEDALS WERE JAMMED IN THE FULL LEFT POSITION. THE AILERON AND RUDDER CONTROLS ARE INTERCONNECTED ON THIS ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3321A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-1596
- Airframe hours: 2450
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: L.H. Dell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 1, 1985, 68 hours before
- Departed: O5C, GIFFITH, IN
- Airport: O5C, Giffith, runway 26, 4,000 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 436 total, 136 in this make and model, 134 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GYY, 8 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 19860427013949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860427013949A), Apr 27, 1986: Piper PA22, Griffith, IN, Substantial damage. Uncontrolled turn entered on takeoff. Aircraft skidded into the ground. Rudder pedals were found to be jammed.

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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