# NTSB CHI86LA155: Piper PA-16, N5370H, Indianapolis, IN, June 15, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1986, 15:05 local (20:05 UTC)
- Place: Indianapolis, IN
- Coordinates: 39.730735, -86.289672 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7307&lon=-86.2897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13472
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA155
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13472/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA155

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - brakes(normal) - inadvertent use, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - brakes(normal) - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WITH ONE HR PIC TIME IN THE TAIL WHEEL ACFT BEGAN TO VEER TO THE LEFT DURING T.O. ROLL. HE APPLIED LEFT BRAKE INSTEAD OF RT RUDDER RAN OFF THE RWY AND STRUCK A DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5370H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5370H), registered now, S/N 16-177, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-16
- Registry model: [Piper PA-16](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-16) (registry code 7101602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 16-177
- Airframe hours: 2808
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard Mcghee
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 10, 1986
- Departed: 3SY, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
- Airport: 3SY, Speedway, runway 24, 2,820 × 36 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 109 total, 3 in this make and model, 77 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 5 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 19860615031279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860615031279A), Jun 15, 1986: Piper PA16, Indianapolis, IN, Substantial damage. The aircraft veered off the side of the runway during takeoff roll. Pilot inadvertently applied wheel brake.

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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