# NTSB LAX82DA160: Piper PA-38, N2393B, Willcox, AZ, May 6, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 6, 1982, 12:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Willcox, AZ
- Location: 32.2454° N, 109.8946° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at COCHISE COUNTY (P33), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2454&lon=-109.8946&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 6, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 73049
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA160
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73049/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA160

## 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
  - flt control syst,rudder control - jammed (contributing factor)
  - rudder - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - tie down - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - control interference - inadvertent (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

STUDENT PILOT ON FIRST SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY GROUND LOOPED DURING AN EN ROUTE LANDING. THE PILOT'S FLIGHT BAG HAD FALLEN OFF THE RIGHT SEAT AND LODGED ITSELF BETWEEN THE RUDDER PEDALS. RUDDER CONTROL WAS LOST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2393B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2393B), registered now, S/N 38-79A0035 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38
- 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: 79A0035
- Airframe hours: 2382
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Hudgins Air Service, Inc.
- Registered owner: Hudgins Air Service, Inc.
- Departed: DUG, DOUGLAS, AZ
- Destination: P33, WILCOX, AZ
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: P33, Cochise County, runway 21, 6,100 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 38 total, 38 in this make and model, 38 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 6 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 149 °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 19820506014059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820506014059A), May 6, 1982: Piper PA38112, Wilcox, AZ, Substantial damage. Flight bag fell off seat and blocked dual rudder pedals on landing, aircraft ground looped, collapsed nose gear.

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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