# NTSB MKC82DA020: Piper PA-32-300, N2872D, Topeka, KS, January 23, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: January 23, 1982, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Topeka, KS
- Coordinates: 39.040634, -95.679512 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0406&lon=-95.6795&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 23, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72841
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82DA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72841/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA020

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING CROSSWIND LANDINGS ON RUNWAY 35. THE WIND WAS FROM 290 DEGREES AT 15 GUSTING 23 KNOTS. DURING A LANDING FLARE, A GUST OF WIND WAS ENCOUNTERED. THE PLANE SKIDDED AND DEPARTED THE RUNWAY. THE NOSE GEAR STRUCK AN ICE BANK AND COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2872D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2872D), registered now, S/N 32-7940167, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32 7940167
- Airframe hours: 550
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph F. Martinak
- Registered owner: Joseph F. Martinak
- Departed: TOP, TOPEKA, KS
- Destination: TOP, TOPEKA, KS
- Airport: TOP, Phillip Billard, runway 35, 5,100 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 343 total, 24 in this make and model, 292 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19820123001849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820123001849A), Jan 23, 1982: Piper PA32300, Topeka, KS, Substantial damage. Crosswind on landing caused airplane to skid off side of runway into an ice bank. Collapsed landing gear.

## Other investigations on N2872D (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 MIA94LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA041), Dec 25, 1993: Piper PA-32-300 (N2872D), Atlanta, GA, substantial damage. Probable cause: FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO APPLY POWER AFTER THE AIRSPEED DECREASE JUST BEFORE TOUCHDOWN AND ALSO FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM THE BOUNCED LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE IN-FLIGHT…

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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