# NTSB CHI93LA113: Piper PA-38-112, N2440T, Mason, MI, March 17, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 17, 1993, 17:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Mason, MI
- Coordinates: 42.580482, -84.440437 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5805&lon=-84.4404&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 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15686
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA113
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15686/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA113

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

## 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
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ON HIS THIRD SOLO FLIGHT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE WAS LANDING AND TAKING OFF ON RUNWAY 27.  HIS FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REPORTED THAT THE WINDS WERE APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 13 KNOTS DIRECT CROSSWIND TO THE LANDING RUNWAY.  THE AIRPLANE BOUNCED AND EXITED THE RUNWAY AND IMPACTED A SNOWBANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2440T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2440T), registered now, S/N 38-78A0803, built 1978 (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 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-78A0803
- Airframe hours: 3544
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Westwind Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Westwind Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, March 12, 1993, 10 hours before
- Airport: 09G, Mason Jewett Field, runway 27, 3,503 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 19 total, 19 in this make and model, 2 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,100 ft broken
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 5 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAN, 15 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 19930317005599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930317005599A), Mar 17, 1993: Piper PA38112, Mason, MI, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on third solo landing and ran into a snowbank. Had a seven knot crosswind.

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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