# NTSB MIA85LA148: Piper PA-38-112, N2428D, Vero Beach, FL, April 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 16, 1985, 12:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Vero Beach, FL
- Coordinates: 27.639799, -80.390007 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.6398&lon=-80.3900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31386
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA148
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31386/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA148

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - initial climb
  - precautionary landing - simulated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper touchdown point - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Hard landing, descent - uncontrolled
  - flare - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - stall/mush - uncontrolled, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A STUDENT TRNG FLT THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT STATED THAT HE REDUCED THROTTLE ON TAKEOFF AT ABOUT 75 FT AGL, TO SIMULATE AN ENGINE FAILURE. THE STUDENT PILOT PITCHED THE NOSE OF THE ACFT UP AND THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TOOK OVER CONTROL OF THE ACFT, LOWERED THE NOSE, ADDED PWR, AND ATTEMPTED TO FLARE THE ACFT. HE STATED HE RAN OUT OF AFT ELEVATOR AND THE ACFT STALLED & LANDED HARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2428D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2428D-2011-09-06), registration cancelled 2011-09-06, S/N 38-79A0310, built 1978 (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: 38-79A0310
- Airframe hours: 3034
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Flight Safety Int'L Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 25, 1984, 34 hours before
- Departed: VRB, VERO BEACH, FL
- Airport: VRB, Vero Beach Municipal, runway 29L, 6,271 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,350 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VRB

## 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 19850416065319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850416065319A), Apr 16, 1985: Piper PA38112, Vero Beach, FL, Substantial damage. During simulated engine out on takeoff, CFI took over. Hard landing made before recovery could be accomplished.

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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