# NTSB MIA98LA103: Piper PA-38-112, N2321D, Tampa, FL, March 22, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 22, 1998, 16:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Tampa, FL
- Coordinates: 27.949441, -82.480484 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9494&lon=-82.4805&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38473
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA98LA103
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38473/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA103

## Probable cause

failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane and proper runway alignment, which result in an in-flight collision with a hangar.

## Analysis

During the initial climb after lift-off, the airplane drifted to the left and collided with the roof of a hangar about 25 feet above ground level. A witness, who observed the takeoff, reported that during the initial climb, the airplane banked to the left about 25 to 30 degrees with the pitch up attitude increasing. The witness then lost sight of the airplane and noted damage to the top of the hangar.

## Factual narrative

On March 22, 1998, about 1650 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38-112, N2321D, registered to Tampa Flying Service, Inc., crashed during takeoff at the Peter O. Knight Airport, Tampa, Florida.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that he initiated a takeoff from runway 35 with the wind from 310 degrees at 7-10 knots.  After becoming airborne, the airplane began drifting to the left and collided with a hangar about 25 feet above ground level.

According to a witness who was near the airport, he observed the airplane during the takeoff roll then during the initial climb.  During that time the airplane entered a left bank of about 25-30 degrees with the nose-up attitude increasing.  He then lost sight of the airplane and noted the damage to the top portion of the hangar.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - hangar/airport building
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2321D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2321D-1998-04-29), registration cancelled 1998-04-29, S/N 3879A0272 (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: 38-79A0272
- Airframe hours: 11232
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Tampa Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 16, 1998, 2 hours before
- Departed: TPF
- Airport: TPF, Peter O. Knight, runway 35, 2,688 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 38 total, 27 in this make and model, 22 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TPA, 5 nm away

## 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 19980322004059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980322004059A), Mar 22, 1998: Piper PA38112, Tampa, FL, Substantial damage. On March 22 ,1998, about 1650 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38-112, N2321D, registered to Tampa flying service, inc. crashed during takeoff at the Peter o.…

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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