# NTSB CHI88LA182: Piper PA-38-112, N2539G, Flint, MI, July 31, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1988, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Flint, MI
- Coordinates: 43.070156, -83.619903 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0702&lon=-83.6199&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14127
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88LA182
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14127/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA182

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - recovery from bounced landing - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

WHILE ON A SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRACTICING TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS, THE STUDENT PILOT EXECUTED A HARD LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT BOUNCED; WHEN IT TOUCHED DOWN AGAIN, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE AIRCRAFT SKIDDED TO A STOP ON THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2539G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2539G), registered now, S/N 38-79A0550, built 1979 (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 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A0550
- Airframe hours: 3451
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Green, Michael R.
- Registered owner: Green, Patrick K.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 14, 1988, 84 hours before
- Departed: 09G, MASON, MI
- Airport: FNT, Bishop International, runway 36, 7,848 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 44 total, 29 in this make and model, 13 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 14 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FNT

## 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 19880731028419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880731028419A), Jul 31, 1988: Piper PA38112, Flint, MI, Substantial damage. Bounced and came down hard on the nose wheel collapsing the nose gear.

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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