# NTSB LAX86LA165: Piper PA-38-112, N91301, Novato, CA, April 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 4, 1986, 12:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Novato, CA
- Location: 38.0851° N, 122.5483° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Novato, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0851&lon=-122.5483&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25112
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25112/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA165

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not corrected, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - daylight
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - remedial action - not attained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff

## Analysis

A PA-38 LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A TAKEOFF WITH BOTH THE STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR PILOT AT THE CONTROLS. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE BUT BOTH PILOTS WERE UNINJURED. THE WIND WAS 90 DEGREES CROSSWIND AT 10 KNOTS GUSTING TO 15 KNOTS. THE INSTRUCTOR STATED THE STUDENT WAS TRYING TO STEER THE AIRCRAFT LIKE A CAR AND COULD HAVE INADVERTENTLY APPLIED OPPOSITE BRAKE INSTEAD OF RUDDER. THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH BEFORE THE INSTRUCTOR COULD TAKE POSITIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N91301](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N91301-2013-06-05), registration cancelled 2013-06-05, S/N 38-81A0155, built 1981 (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: 3881A0155
- Airframe hours: 1832
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Marin Air Service
- Registered owner: Marin Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 056, Novato, runway 31, 3,300 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 1,675 total, 500 in this make and model, 1,400 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point -0 °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 19860404009959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860404009959A), Apr 4, 1986: Piper PA38112, Novato, CA, Substantial damage. The aircraft veered off the runway in a crosswind. Instructor reported he could not override student on controls.

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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