# NTSB CHI88LA131: Piper PA-22-150, N3737P, Marion, IN, June 8, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 8, 1988, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Marion, IN
- Coordinates: 40.600574, -85.629142 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6006&lon=-85.6291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 29, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14090
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88LA131
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14090/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA131

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - became lost/disoriented (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - crop
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fatigue(lack of sleep), pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT BECAME DISORIENTED DURING FLIGHT AND MADE AN UNSCHEDULED STOP IN A CORN FIELD TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS TO HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT. DURING TAXI FOR TAKEOFF FROM THE FIELD, THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT, AND STRUCK A MANHOLE COVER SHEARING THE NOSE GEAR. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS FATIGUED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT FROM LACK OF SLEEP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3737P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3737P-2012-09-20), registration cancelled 2012-09-20, S/N 22-3457, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22 3457
- Airframe hours: 4010
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 151 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Phelps, Ervin W.
- Registered owner: Phelps, Ervin W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 19, 1987, 11 hours before
- Departed: NONE, GAS CITY, IN
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 79; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,818 total, 500 in this make and model, 1,638 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FWA, 37 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 19880608019219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880608019219A), Jun 8, 1988: Piper PA22150, Marion, IN, Substantial damage. Unable to locate airport, landed on a sewer line clearing. After directions,hit a manhole cover taxiing to takeoff.

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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