# NTSB MKC84LA052: Piper PA-38, N2490G, Preston, IA, December 31, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 31, 1983, 16:49 local (22:49 UTC)
- Place: Preston, IA
- Coordinates: 42.040287, -90.389579 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0403&lon=-90.3896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33613
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33613/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA052

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - supervision - inadequate, flight instructor(on ground) (contributing factor)
  - flight/nav instruments,directional gyro - other (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - reduced, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT BEGAN A X-COUNTRY FTW WITH NO DIRECTIONAL GTRO INSTALLED. HE STATED THAT HE HAD TAKEN THE ACFT WITH THE ADVICE OF HIS INSTRUCTOR WHO BELIEVED THAT THE MAGNETIC COMPASS WOULD BE SATISFACTORY. ON THE 3RD LEG OF HIS X-COUNTRY, HE TOOK THE WRONG HEADING & BECAME LOST. THE ACFT WAS FLOWN UNTIL FUEL EXHAUSION OCCURRED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLT CRASH LANDED IN A FIELD AFTER CROSSING OVER POWER LINES NEAR THE EDGE OF THE FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2490G (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A0544
- Airframe hours: 1732
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thunderbird Aircraft Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 18, 1983
- Departed: MWM, WINDOM, MN
- Destination: MIC, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 21 °F, dew point 12 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GBQ, 23 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 19831231065029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831231065029A), Dec 31, 1983: Piper PA38112, Preston, IA, Substantial damage. Student pilot became lost on solo cross country flight. Crash occurred during emergency 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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