# NTSB CHI96LA153: Piper PA-38, N2364N, Layfayette, IN, May 3, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1996, 17:58 local (22:58 UTC)
- Place: Layfayette, IN
- Coordinates: 40.439987, -86.910903 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4400&lon=-86.9109&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 3, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10243
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA153
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10243/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA153

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - recovery from bounced landing - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

In her written statement, the pilot reported that she flew final approach at 70 knots, and when she landed the airplane, 'it bounced up to a considerable height.'  During the recovery, she 'let it sink before flaring.'  On the second touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. The propeller impacted the runway, and the nose of the airplane sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.

## Factual narrative

On May 3, 1996, at 1748 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38, N2364N, registered to Lafayette Aviation, was substantially damaged during landing in Lafayette, Indiana.  The solo student pilot reported no injuries.  The local, instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

In her written statement, the pilot reported that she flew final approach at 70 knots and when she landed the airplane "it bounced up to a considerable height."  During the recovery she "let it sink before flaring."  On the second touchdown, the nose gear collapsed.  The propeller impacted the runway and the nose of the airplane sustained substantial damage.  Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2364N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2364N), registered now, S/N 38-79A0810, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-38
- 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: 38-79A0810
- Airframe hours: 5151
- Engines: Lycoming O-235 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lafayette Aviation, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 5, 1996, 69 hours before
- Departed: LAF
- Airport: LAF, Purdue University, runway 23, 3,900 × 100 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 18; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 52 total, 19 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 45 °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 19960503009309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960503009309A), May 3, 1996: Piper PA38112, Lafayette, IN, Substantial damage. During landing, aircraft bounced and broke the nose gear. (-23) student claims she entered the final approach segment with full flaps at approximately 70 kis.…

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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