# NTSB LAX07CA105: Piper PA-38-112, N2489P, Groveland, CA, March 12, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: March 12, 2007, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Groveland, CA - Coordinates: 37.861667, -120.17778 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8617&lon=-120.1778&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 29, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 65423 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX07CA105 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65423/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07CA105 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The airplane landed long, veered off the runway, and collided with trees. The pilot flew over the airport and observed the windsock, which looked limp. He entered right traffic for runway 27 and noted the surrounding mountainous terrain. He did two rejected landings, and on the third attempt, he realized he was still high but felt that he could land in the first third of the runway. The airplane floated, and touched down in the last third of the runway. The airplane veered left off the runway, crossed a ditch, went down an embankment, and collided with trees. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. ## Factual narrative On March 12, 2007, about 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112, N2489P, veered off the runway and encountered a ditch during landing at Pine Mountain Lake Airport, Groveland, California. The Flight Center at Stockton was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Stockton, California, about 0900, with a planned destination of Pine Mountain Lake. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot submitted a written report. He checked weather on DUATS prior to departing Stockton. When he arrived at Pine Mountain Lake, he flew over the airport, and observed the windsock, which looked limp. He entered right traffic for runway 27. He noted the mountainous terrain. He did two rejected landings and on the third attempt, he felt that he could land in the first third of the runway. The airplane floated, and landed in the last third of the runway. The airplane veered left, crossed a ditch, went down an embankment, and collided with trees. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2489P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2489P-2009-04-22), registration cancelled 2009-04-22, S/N 38-79A1003, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-38-112 - 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: 38-79A1003 - Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: The Flight Center at Stockton - Registered owner: Michael L. Trettin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: SCK, Stockton, CA - Destination: E45, Groveland, CA - Airport: E45, Pine Mountain Lake, runway 27, 3,625 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; seat: left; flight hours: 103 total, 5 in this make and model, 36 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 30.12 inHg - Observed at: MOD, 38 nm away ## 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 20070312003779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070312003779A), Mar 12, 2007: Piper PA38112, Groveland, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) On March 12, 2007 a Piper PA-38-112 tomahawk N2489P was attempting to land on runway 27 at Pine Mountain Lake Airport Groveland, CA (E45) at about… 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.