# NTSB CHI93LA097: Piper PA-28-161, N3044N, Marshfield, WI, February 25, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 25, 1993, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Marshfield, WI
- Coordinates: 44.660762, -90.169364 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.6608&lon=-90.1694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15674
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA097
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15674/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA097

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - snowbank

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT STATED HE WAS PLANNING TO PRACTICE TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN DURING HIS SECOND SOLO FLIGHT.  HE REPORTED THE TAKEOFF '...WAS PROCEEDING STRAIGHT DOWN RUNWAY...AIRSPEED...WAS APPROXIMATELY 60 KNOTS WHEN AIRCRAFT SUDDENLY VEERED LEFT.'  THE STUDENT PILOT APPLIED RIGHT RUDDER AND THE AIRPLANE '...STRAIGHTENED SLIGHTLY...' BUT THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A SNOWBANK AND CAME TO REST 20 TO 30 FEET FROM THE RUNWAY.  THE STUDENT PILOT HAD 18.8 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME, INCLUDING .6 HOURS AS PIC.  THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT WAS THE STUDENT'S FIRST FLIGHT WITHOUT HIS INSTRUCTOR'S DIRECT SUPERVISION.  THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF (OR CLAIM OF) MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3044N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3044N-2024-06-13), registration cancelled 2024-06-13, S/N 28-7916270, built 1979 (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: 28-7916270
- Airframe hours: 2592
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Aviation Services, Inc.
- Registered owner: Aviation Services, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 3, 1992, 50 hours before
- Airport: MFI, Marshfield, runway 16, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 19 total, 6 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 23 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFI, 1 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 19930225003679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930225003679A), Feb 25, 1993: Piper PA28161, Marshfield, WI, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on takeoff roll and veered into snowbank on edge of runway.

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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