# NTSB LAX82DA146: Piper PA-38-112, N24082, Apple Valley, CA, April 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: April 22, 1982, 15:53 local (23:53 UTC)
- Place: Apple Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.570884, -117.149208 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5709&lon=-117.1492&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 22, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69798
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69798/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA146

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - airspeed(vso) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT TO BE GLIDING ON FINAL APPROACH WITH THE ENGINE AT IDLE WHEN IT ABRUPTLY PITCHED NOSE DOWN AND STRUCK THE GROUND. THE ENGINE AND BOTH LEADING EDGES OF THE WINGS CONTACTED THE GROUND AT THE SAME TIME WITH NO TURNING MOVEMENT. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-IMPACT FAILURE OF MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ABOUT 1/8 MILE FROM THE END OF THE RUNWAY AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS APPROXIMATELY 30 FT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WHEN THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED NOSE DOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24082](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24082-2012-09-06), registration cancelled 2012-09-06, S/N 38-79A1081, 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: 79A1081
- Airframe hours: 724
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Custom Aviation
- Registered owner: Mesa Aviation Group
- Departed: LGB, LONG BEACH, CA
- Destination: RETURN
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: APV, Apple Valley, runway 36, 6,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 59 total, 27 in this make and model, 6 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 158 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19820422010669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820422010669A), Apr 22, 1982: Piper PA38112, Apple Valley, CA, Destroyed. Airplane stalled on final about 30 feet above ground. Verticsl impact short of runway. Student on 1st crosscountry.

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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