# NTSB MKC85LA020: Piper PA-38-112, N2454B, Burlington, IA, November 12, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 12, 1984, 17:48 local (23:48 UTC)
- Place: Burlington, IA
- Coordinates: 40.79953, -91.119682 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7995&lon=-91.1197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33888
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33888/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper descent rate - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - not performed, pilot in command
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fatigue, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE DESCENT INTO THE TRAFFIC PATTERN WAS LATE AND THE BASE TURN PERFORMED EARLY LEAVING THE ACFT HIGH ON FINAL. AS A RESULT, AN EXCESSIVE RATE OF DESCENT DEVELOPED ON SHORT FINAL. THE HIGH DESCENT RATE AND DIMINISHING DAYLIGHT LED THE PILOT TO MISJUDGE THE PROPER FLARE ATTITUDE. REALIZING THAT THE FLARE WAS HIGH THE PILOT PUSHED THE YOKE FORWARD RESULTING IN A HARD, NOSE GEAR FIRST LANDING. THE PILOT FURTHER STATED THAT SHE WAS TIRED AFTER THE 4 HOUR SOLO TRIP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2454B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2454B-2003-10-02), registration cancelled 2003-10-02, S/N 38-79A0068, built 1978 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A0068
- Airframe hours: 2098
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Remmers Tomkins Flight Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 1, 1984, 98 hours before
- Departed: DVN, DAVENPORT, IA
- Destination: BRL, BURLINGTON, IA
- Airport: Burlington Municipal, runway 18, 6,702 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 39 total, 39 in this make and model, 13 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 110° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BRL

## 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 19841112061389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841112061389A), Nov 12, 1984: Piper PA38112, Burlington, IA, Substantial damage. Leveled off too high. Stalled and hit runway nose first collapsing nose gear. Depth perception hindered by dusk.

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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