# NTSB CHI95LA280: Piper PA-38-112, N381AV, Champaign, IL, August 16, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 15, 1995, 19:15 local (Aug 16, 1995, 00:15 UTC) - Place: Champaign, IL - Coordinates: 40.109119, -88.259704 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1091&lon=-88.2597&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 8, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 9997 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA280 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9997/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA280 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. ## 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) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - airport sign/marker ## Analysis The pilot lost directional control of the airplane during the takeoff portion of a touch and go landing. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway and contacted a runway sign with the left wing. Unaware that the sign had been contacted, the pilot continued the takeoff. Once airborne he noticed the damaged wing. He returned to the airport and an uneventful landing was made. ## Factual narrative On August 15, 1995, at 1900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38, N381AV, collided with a runway intersection sign during takeoff at the Willard Airport, Champaign, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated at Champaign, Illinois, on August 15, 1995, at 1845 cdt. The pilot reported that during the takeoff portion on the second touch and go landing, directional control of the airplane was lost. He stated the airplane veered off the left side of the runway. He reported he regained directional control of the airplane at which time it contacted a runway sign near the intersection of runway 22R and 14R/32L. He stated he was unaware that he contacted the sign, and since he had regained control of the airplane and was at rotation speed, he took off. He reported that once he was airborne, he noticed the damage to the left wing. The pilot returned to the airport and made an uneventful full stop landing. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N381AV](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N381AV), registered now, S/N 38-78A0638 (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: 38-78A0638 - Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: The Flightstar Corp - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: CMI - Destination: CMI - Airport: CMI, Willard, runway 22, 6,500 × 150 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 22; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 74 total, 44 in this make and model, 41 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 4 knots - Visibility: 6 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 75 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: CMI ## 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 19950815028679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950815028679A), Aug 15, 1995: Piper PA38112, Champaign-Urban, IL, Substantial damage. Lost control on go around roll. Exited runway. Hit a sign with let wing. Departed with damaged wing. Landed safely. (-23) on August 15, 1995 at approximately… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.