# NTSB FTW96LA041: Piper PA-28-201T, N2141Z, Keller, TX, November 12, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 12, 1995, 13:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Keller, TX
- Coordinates: 32.930213, -97.220855 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9302&lon=-97.2209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19706
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19706/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA041

## Probable cause

the inadequate visual lookout by the driver of the vehicle resulting in his obstructing the runway.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - other (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, driver of vehicle (cause)
  - maneuver to avoid obstructions - performed, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

As the airplane was flared for landing, a car drove onto the approach end of the runway directly in front of it.  The pilot added full power and turned right to avoid hitting the car.  After clearing the car, the airplane was heading toward a residence and the pilot began a left turn back toward the runway.  The left wing tip struck a tree.

## Factual narrative

On November 12, 1995, at 1300 central standard time, a Piper PA- 28-201T, N2141Z, was substantially damaged when it collided with a tree during a go around near Keller, Texas.  The commercial pilot and the pilot rated passenger received minor injuries.  The personal flight, conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, originated in Seguin, Texas, at 1000.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that she was flaring for landing on runway 17 at the Hillcrest Airport when a car drove onto the approach end of the runway "directly in front" of the airplane.  The pilot further reported she added full power, raised the nose, and turned right to avoid hitting the car.  After clearing the car, the airplane was heading toward a residence and the pilot began a left turn back towards the runway.  The "left wing tip then struck a small tree in a yard."  Subsequently, the left wing "hit the ground and the aircraft came to rest nose down approximately 100 yards south of the tree."  Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to the firewall.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2141Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2141Z-2014-09-16), registration cancelled 2014-09-16, S/N 28-7921017, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-201T
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-201T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-201t) (registry code 7102819) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7921017
- Airframe hours: 1399
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360-CFB8 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kathleen B. Westfall
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 6, 1995, 66 hours before
- Departed: T90, SEGUIN, TX
- Destination: 7TX4
- Airport: 7TX4, Hillcrest, runway 17, 2,000 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 900 total, 115 in this make and model, 769 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19951112043519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951112043519A), Nov 12, 1995: Piper PA28201T, Keller, TX, Substantial damage. Car drove in front of plane on final. Powered up,avoided car. Veered off runway. Wing hit turning back. Struck a tree

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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