# NTSB MIA89LA003: Piper PA-38-112, N91323, Fort Pierce, FL, October 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1988, 13:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Fort Pierce, FL
- Location: 27.4256° N, 80.3404° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fort Pierce, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.4256&lon=-80.3404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32340
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32340/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA003

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - cooling system,cowling - unlatched (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

WHILE PRACTICING MANEUVERS NEAR A GRASS AIRSTRIP, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COWLING OPENED. THE PLT ELECTED TO PERFORM A LOW PASS TO OBSERVE WIND DIRECTION, THEN A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AT THE AIRSTRIP. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE AND DRIFTED OFF THE RWY, STRIKING THEN COMING TO REST UPRIGHT AT A DIKE. ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF PILOT OF THE FLIGHT SCHOOL, THERE WAS A 60-70 DEGREE, 15 KNOT CROSSWIND AT THE AIRSTRIP WHEN HE ARRIVED ONE HOUR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WERE REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N91323](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N91323-1991-10-07), registration cancelled 1991-10-07, S/N 3881A0157 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-81A0157
- Airframe hours: 3308
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2A 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pro-Flite Of Vero, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, September 27, 1988, 37 hours before
- Departed: FPR, FORT PIERCE, FL
- Destination: VRB, VERO BEACH, FL
- Airport: Strazzula Brothers, runway 9, 3,000 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 79 total, 79 in this make and model, 41 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 31 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VRB, 8 nm away

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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