# NTSB LAX94LA049: Piper PA-38-112, N2346G, Fresno, CA, November 17, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 17, 1993, 13:10 local (21:10 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 36.749286, -119.670967 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7493&lon=-119.6710&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 13, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28601
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28601/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA049

## Probable cause

was the student pilot's improper use of the rudder.  The student pilot's lack of total experience was a factor in this accident.

## 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
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - sign

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS BEGINNING HIS SECOND SUPERVISED SOLO FLIGHT.  THE STUDENT PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE RUDDER DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, AND THE AIRPLANE SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH A TAXI SIGN.

## Factual narrative

On November 17, 1993, at 1310 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper PA38-112, N2346G, lost control and collided with a taxi sign while taking off from runway 30L at Chandler Airport, Fresno, California.  The noncertificated student pilot was conducting his second supervised solo local visual flight rules instructional flight.  The airplane, registered to and operated by Golden Eagle Enterprises, dba Mazzei Flying Services, sustained substantial damage.  The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The student pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that during the takeoff roll the airplane began to swerve to the left.  He applied right rudder and brake, but was unable to maintain directional control.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2346G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2346G-2013-02-12), registration cancelled 2013-02-12, S/N 38-79A0502, 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: 38-79A0502
- Airframe hours: 3110
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Golden Eagle Enterprises
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 16, 1993, 10 hours before
- Airport: FCH, Fresno-Chandler Downtown, runway 30L, 3,202 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 13 total, 13 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19931117043679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931117043679A), Nov 17, 1993: Piper PA38112, Fresno, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on takeoff. Ran off runway and collided with taxiway sign.

## Other investigations on N2346G (1)

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.

- [NTSB WPR09CA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA030), Oct 31, 2008: Piper PA-38-112 (N2346G), Friant, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The student pilot's failure to execute a go-around in timely manner, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Also causal was the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and delayed…

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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