# NTSB CHI91LA136: Piper PA-28-161, N4VT, Grayslake, IL, April 20, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1991, 16:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Grayslake, IL
- Coordinates: 42.33979, -88.030883 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3398&lon=-88.0309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15047
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15047/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA136

## Probable cause

THE INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE THE WIND GUSTS AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, descent - uncontrolled
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - other

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT AND INSTRUCTOR PILOT WERE LANDING IN GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS.  ON SHORT FINAL THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO SINK, AND ADDITIONAL POWER APPLICATION DID NOT ARREST THE DESCENT. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AND IMPACTED A WOOD PILE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4VT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4VT), registered now, S/N 28-8616015, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8616015
- Airframe hours: 3081
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Cardinal Aircraft, Inc.
- Registered owner: Cardinal Aircraft, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, February 15, 1991, 89 hours before
- Airport: C81, Campbell, runway 6, 3,550 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,100 total, 900 in this make and model, 1,500 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 90 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 15 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: UGN, 10 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 19910420011769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910420011769A), Apr 20, 1991: Piper PA28161, Grayslake, IL, Substantial damage. Sudden down draft on short final in strong gusty wind. Unable to recover landed short. Struck ditch and brush.

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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