# NTSB CHI99LA041: Piper PA-28-R200, N2988R, Eden Prairie, MN, November 26, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 25, 1998, 18:39 local (Nov 26, 1998, 00:39 UTC) - Place: Eden Prairie, MN - Coordinates: 44.840976, -93.449584 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.8410&lon=-93.4496&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 2, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 45377 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA041 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45377/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA041 ## Probable cause the pilot misjudged the flare and did not maintain directional control during touchdown. A factor was the VASI lights. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown - flare - misjudged, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not obtained/maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - vasi light/system (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that she initiated the flare over the numbers of runway 27L. She reported the 'nose alignment drifted slightly left.' The left main gear touched down first and then the right main gear shortly after. The nose gear touched down 3 to 5 seconds after the right main gear. The airplane '...continued landing roll for less than 2 seconds after nose gear touched down before all steering was lost. Plane swerved hard left and initiated aircraft skidding with right side of aircraft turned slightly.' The right wingtip struck the VASI support stand, and the airplane spun 90 degrees clockwise before stopping. The pilot reported the VASI light fell on the right wing and collapsed the right main gear. The damage to the airplane included the right main gear was collapsed and punched through the wing spar. ## Factual narrative On November 25, 1998, at 1839 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-R200, N2988R, was substantially damaged when it swerved off the runway during a full stop landing and impacted the VASI lights. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Lansing, Michigan, en route to the Flying Cloud Airport, Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that she initiated the flare over the numbers of runway 27L. She reported the "nose alignment drifted slightly left." She reported the left main gear touched down first and then the right main gear shortly after. The nose gear touched down 3 to 5 seconds after the right main gear. The pilot reported the airplane "...continued landing roll for less than 2 seconds after nose gear touched down before all steering was lost. Plane swerved hard left and initiated aircraft skidding with right side of aircraft turned slightly." The right wingtip struck the VASI support stand, and the airplane spun 90 degrees clockwise before stopping. The pilot reported the VASI light fell on the right wing and collapsed the right main gear. The damage to the airplane included the right main gear was collapsed and punched through the wing spar. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2988R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2988R), registered now, S/N 28R-35671, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-R200 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28R-35671 - Airframe hours: 6455 - Engines: Lycoming IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Kathleen Spilman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 11, 1998, 9 hours before - Departed: IGQ, LANSING, MI - Destination: FCM - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: FCM, Flying Cloud Airport, runway 27, 3,909 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 242 total, 68 in this make and model, 189 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 270° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: FCM ## 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 19981125041159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981125041159A), Nov 25, 1998: Piper PA28R200, Minneapolis, MN, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft skidded to left of runway after touch down. Right wing struck VASI light box (.19) on November 25, 1998, at 1839 central standard time, a Piper… 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.