# NTSB CHI88LA238: Piper PA-28-151, N6252J, Kenosha, WI, September 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1988, 22:00 local (Sep 18, 1988, 03:00 UTC)
- Place: Kenosha, WI
- Coordinates: 42.580528, -87.85012 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5805&lon=-87.8501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14164
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88LA238
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14164/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA238

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ON A VFR APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT, AT NIGHT, THE PILOT MISIDENTIFIED THE STREET LIGHTS IN A MOBILE HOME PARK AS THE RUNWAY LIGHTS AND DESCENDED INTO WIRES. AFTERWARD THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO THE INTENDED RUNWAY AND MADE A SUCCESSFUL LANDING. AFTER LANDING THE PILOT DISCOVERED PARTS OF THE TAIL MISSING INCLUDING THE RUDDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6252J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6252J-2013-07-23), registration cancelled 2013-07-23, S/N 28-7615347, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-151
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7615347
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Vagabond Flying Association
- Registered owner: Vagabond Flying Ass.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1988, 230 hours before
- Departed: DPA, WEST CHICAGO, IL
- Destination: ENW, KENOSHA, WI
- Airport: ENW, Kenosha, runway 24R, 5,500 × 100 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 76; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,450 total, 125 in this make and model, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 220° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKE, 22 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 19880917039159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880917039159A), Sep 17, 1988: Piper PA28151, Kenosha, WI, Substantial damage. Mistook a trailer park street for the airport at night. During go around, rudder severed by wire. Landed at airport

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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