# NTSB DEN99LA041: Piper PA-28-180, N8804J, Colorado Sprngs, CO, February 16, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 16, 1999, 13:20 local (20:20 UTC) - Place: Colorado Sprngs, CO - Coordinates: 38.829914, -104.809822 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8299&lon=-104.8098&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 25, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 45763 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN99LA041 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45763/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA041 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing touchdown. A factor was the sign. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - sign (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot said the landing approach was 'normal,' but once the wheels touched down, 'the plane began skidding to the right and the nose wheel began vibrating uncontrollably.' The pilot attempted steer the aircraft with the rudder pedals and applied the brakes, but was unable to regain control of the aircraft. The aircraft then skidded off the left side of the runway. The right wing struck the 9,000 foot remaining runway sign. The wind was from 110 degrees at 7 knots. This was the pilot's second solo flight. ## Factual narrative On February 16, 1999, at 1320 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N8804J, operated by Pikes Peak Pilot Center of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was substantially damaged when it collided with a sign after it departed the runway during landing roll at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The student pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area instructional flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated approximately 50 minutes before the accident. According to the pilot, this was his second solo flight. He went to the practice area to perform maneuvers for approximately 45 minutes before returning to the pattern to practice touch and go landings on runway 17R. He stated that the landing approach was "normal," but once the wheels touched down, "the plane began skidding to the right and the nose wheel began vibrating uncontrollably." The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft with the rudder pedals and applied the brakes, but was unable to regain control of the aircraft. The aircraft skidded off the left side of the runway. The right wing struck the 9,000 foot remaining runway sign. After impacting the sign, the airplane spun to the left, and the propeller struck the ground. The wind at the time of the accident was reported to be from 110 degrees at 7 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8804J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8804J), registered now, S/N 28-2754 (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 I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-2754 - Airframe hours: 3070 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Pikes Peak Pilot Center - Registered owner: Gregory H. Cox - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 20, 1998, 70 hours before - Departed: COS - Airport: COS, Colorado Sprngs Municipal, runway 17R, 11,021 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 23; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 23 total, 8 in this make and model, 22 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 110° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 10 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: COS ## 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 19990216014869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990216014869A), Feb 16, 1999: Piper PA28180, Colorado Spring, CO, Substantial damage. (.19)On February 16, 1999, approximately 1320 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N8804J, operated by pikes peak pilot center of Colorado Springs,… 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.