# NTSB LAX98LA239: Piper PA-28-161, N2148Y, Chandler, AZ, July 19, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 19, 1998, 07:49 local (14:49 UTC) - Place: Chandler, AZ - Coordinates: 33.240798, -111.779647 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2408&lon=-111.7796&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 16, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 43193 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX98LA239 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43193/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA239 ## Probable cause The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during takeoff. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - airport sign/marker ## Analysis The student pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings. During the takeoff, he pitched forward to obtain ground effect and the aircraft veered off to the left side of the runway and touched down in the grassy area between the parallel runways. The aircraft continued forward for about 200 yards. The pilot reported that he steered the airplane back to the runway, took off, completed a traffic pattern circuit and landed. While he was taxiing back, he noticed that the wing was damaged and was told that he had hit a sign next to the runway. The pilot reported that the winds were from 200 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative On July 19, 1998, at 0749 hours mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N2148Y, struck a runway sign during takeoff at the Chandler, Arizona, airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local flight originated at 0730 and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that he was practicing touch-and-go landings to runway 22R. During the takeoff, he pitched forward for ground effect and the aircraft veered off to the left side of the runway and touched down in the grassy area between the parallel runways. The aircraft continued forward for approximately 200 yards. The pilot reported that he steered the airplane back toward the runway, took off, and completed a short field landing. While he was taxiing back, he noticed that the wing was damaged and was told that he had hit a sign next to the runway. The pilot reported that the winds were from 200 degrees at 5 knots. He further reported that he had not experienced any mechanical malfunction with the aircraft prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2148Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2148Y-2018-08-17), registration cancelled 2018-08-17, S/N 28-7916359, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-161 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-7916359 - Airframe hours: 8329 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Chandler Air Service - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, June 19, 1998, 50 hours before - Departed: CHD - Airport: CHD, Chandler, runway 22R, 4,395 × 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; seat: left; flight hours: 31 total, 31 in this make and model, 3 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 5 knots - Visibility: 40 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °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 19980719031109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980719031109A), Jul 19, 1998: Piper PA28161, Chandler, AZ, Substantial damage. (.4) The student pilot was practicing touch-an-go landings. During he takeoff, he pitched forward to obtain ground effect and the aircraft veered off to the… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.