# NTSB CHI98LA329: Piper PA-28-180, N3331R, Lapaz, IN, August 22, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 22, 1998, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC) - Place: Lapaz, IN - Coordinates: 41.459789, -86.310386 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4598&lon=-86.3104&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 43798 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA329 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43798/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA329 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in landing on unsuitable terrain (wet, grass). Factors associated with the accident were the wet grass and the fence. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Overrun, landing - roll - terrain condition - grass (contributing factor) - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor) - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - fence (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported the airplane would not slow down during the landing roll with the use of brakes. He reported that he did not retract the flaps and the grass was wet from the previous night's rain. He reported he initiated a turn to the right into longer grass and was starting to make a 180 degree turn when the airplane contacted a fence at the end of the runway. ## Factual narrative On August 22, 1998, at 0930 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28- 180, N3331R, operated by a private pilot was substantially damaged while landing at the Sherk Field in Lapaz, Indiana. The landing was being made to the east on the 2,100 foot long grass airstrip when the airplane traveled off the end of the airstrip and collided with a fence. The pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Valparaiso, Indiana, at 0910 est. The pilot reported that upon touching down the airplane "...did not slow down by braking." He reported that he did not retract the flaps and the grass was wet from the previous night's rain. He reported he initiated a turn to the right into longer grass and was starting to make a 180 degree turn when the airplane contacted the fence at the end of the runway. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3331R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3331R), registered now, S/N 28-5661, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-180 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-5661 - Airframe hours: 4666 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Porter County Tri Pacer Club - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 22, 1997, 138 hours before - Departed: VPZ, VALPARAISO, IN - Destination: II38 - Airport: II38, Sherk Field, runway 9, 2,100 × 80 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 253 total, 177 in this make and model, 198 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 135° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F ## Other investigations on N3331R (4) 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. - [NTSB CEN22LA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA399), Aug 18, 2022: Piper PA-28-180 (N3331R), Sullivan, IN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing. - [NTSB GAA16CA491](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA491), Sep 15, 2016: Piper PA 28-180 (N3331R), Valparaiso, IN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing. - [NTSB CEN09CA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA208), Dec 29, 2008: Piper PA-28-180 (N3331R), Valparaiso, IN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper flare during landing, resulting in a bounced landing. - [NTSB CHI89LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA045), Jan 14, 1989: Piper PA-28-180 (N3331R), Valparaiso, IN, substantial damage. Probable cause: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN INADVERTENT FLIGHT IN ICING CONDITIONS AND RAPID ACCUMULATION OF AIRFRAME ICE, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED… 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.