# NTSB CHI87LA064: Piper PA-38-112, N2536A, Decatur, IL, January 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 23, 1987, 08:46 local (14:46 UTC)
- Place: Decatur, IL
- Coordinates: 39.850906, -88.930664 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8509&lon=-88.9307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13719
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA064
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13719/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA064

## 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 total experience, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - snowbank

## Analysis

FOLLOWING TAXI TO RWY 36, THE PLT STATED THAT HE COMPLETED AN ENGINE RUN-UP. ON THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE ACFT SWERVED TO THE LEFT BEFORE COLLIDING WITH A SNOWBANK APPROXIMATELY 800 FEET FROM THE APCH END OF THE RWY. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, OPPOSITE RUDDER WAS APPLIED PRIOR TO CONTACT WITH THE SNOWBANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2536A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2536A), registered now, S/N 38-78A0739, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (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: 38-78A0739
- Airframe hours: 1576
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: J. Smiley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 14, 1986, 69 hours before
- Airport: DEC, Decatur, runway 36, 5,299 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 12 total, 12 in this make and model, 9 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point 5 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DEC

## 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 19870123001369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870123001369A), Jan 23, 1987: Piper PA38112, Decatur, IL, Substantial damage. The student failed to maintain directional control on takeoff. The aircraft struck a snowbank by the side of runway

## Other investigations on N2536A (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 MKC80DER20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC80DER20), Jan 20, 1980: Piper PA-38 (N2536A), Anoka, MN, 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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