# NTSB CHI90LA077: Piper PA-28-140, N6003U, Lafayette, IN, February 10, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 10, 1990, 12:47 local (17:47 UTC)
- Place: Lafayette, IN
- Coordinates: 40.440097, -86.909538 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4401&lon=-86.9095&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14628
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90LA077
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14628/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA077

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE STUDENT'S LACK OF AVIATION EXPERIENCE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch
- Nose down, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS PERFORMING A SUPERVISED SOLO FLIGHT. DURING A LANDING ROLL, THE STUDENT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL & THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A DITCH & NOSED DOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6003U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6003U), registered now, S/N 28-26809, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (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 26809
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Professional Pilots Inc.
- Airport: LAF, Lafayette, runway 23, 4,230 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 14 total, 14 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 9 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAF

## 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 19900210002559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900210002559A), Feb 10, 1990: Piper PA28140, Lafayette, IN, Substantial damage. Student lost directional control on landing and ran off into a ditch. Had nose wheel cocked as it touched down.

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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