# NTSB MKC84LA044: Piper PA-28-180, N55890, Manhattan, KS, December 25, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 25, 1983, 13:23 local (19:23 UTC)
- Place: Manhattan, KS
- Coordinates: 39.190132, -96.589492 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1901&lon=-96.5895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33607
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84LA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33607/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA044

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing
  - landing gear,main gear - overload
- Loss of control - in flight, landing - roll
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT DURING HER ARRIVAL AT MANHATTAN, KS, THE RWY HAD PATCHES OF SNOW & WAS SURROUNDED BY SNOW COVERED TERRAIN. JUST PRIOR TO LANDING, SHE BECAME AWARE OF A SNOWBANK AT THE APCH END OF THE RWY. SHE TOOK EVASIVE ACTION, BUT THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR HIT THE SNOWBANK & SEPARATED FROM THE ACFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT VEERED DURING TOUCHDOWN & WAS FURTHER DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N55890](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N55890), registered now, S/N 28-7305492, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7305492
- Airframe hours: 1877
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Raymond & Lois Gitchell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 30, 1983
- Departed: MIW, MARSHALLTOWN, IA
- Destination: MHK, MANHATTAN, KS
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: MHK, Manhattan Muni, runway 31, 3,801 ×  ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 78 total, 21 in this make and model, 41 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- 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 19831225064109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831225064109A), Dec 25, 1983: Piper PA28180, Manhattan, KS, Substantial damage. Tore off the right main gear on impact with a snow bank on edge of runway while landing.

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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