# NTSB LAX84LA323: Piper PA-16, N5698H, Novato, CA, May 26, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 25, 1984, 19:00 local (May 26, 1984, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Novato, CA
- Coordinates: 38.100234, -122.630004 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1002&lon=-122.6300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24288
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA323
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24288/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA323

## 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
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - total, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - airport facility

## Analysis

PLT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING ROLL. ACFT VEERED OFF LEFT SIDE OF RWY. PLT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO RWY AND ACFT CONTACTED VASI LIGHT. GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS EXISTED. PLT'S TTL FLT TIME WAS 68.9 HRS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5698H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5698H-2013-04-23), registration cancelled 2013-04-23, S/N 16-309, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-16
- Registry model: [Piper PA-16](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-16) (registry code 7101602) (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: 16-309
- Airframe hours: 2107
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary S Tiebens
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 2, 1983
- Departed: SNS, SALINAS, CA
- Destination: 056, NOVATO, CA
- Airport: 056, Gnoss Field, runway 31, 3,300 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 68 total, 43 in this make and model, 49 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19840525019469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840525019469A), May 25, 1984: Piper PA16, Novato, CA, Substantial damage. Strong gusty crosswinds exceed control capability on rollout. Weathervaned, off side of runway, struck VASI light.

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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