# NTSB NYC85LA235: Piper PA-38-112, N2387P, Madison, CT, September 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1985, 17:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Madison, CT
- Location: 41.2795° N, 72.5984° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Madison, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2795&lon=-72.5984&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35964
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA235
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35964/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA235

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - distance - misjudged, dual student (cause)
  - altitude - misjudged, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - clearance - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON THE DOWNWIND LEG FOR RWY 24, THE INSTRUCTOR REDUCED POWER TO IDLE FOR ENGINE FAILURE SIMULATION. THE STUDENT MADE A SHORT APPROACH AND UPON REACHING 700 FT AGL THE STUDENT HEADED DIRECTLY TOWARD THE APPROACH END OF THE RWY AT A 30 DEG ANGLE FROM RWY HEADING. ON SHORT FINAL THE ACFT WAS TURNED FOR RWY ALIGNMENT AND POWER WAS ADDED TO AVOID REEDS THAT OBSTRUCT THE APPROACH PATH OF THE RWY. THE L WING AND MAIN GEAR STRUCK THE WEEDS. THE ACFT CAME TO REST ON GRASS AREA SHORT OF RWWY. THE REEDS ARE 8 TO 10 FT HIGH AND 100 FT FROM THE RWY THRESHOLD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2387P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2387P-2012-09-06), registration cancelled 2012-09-06, S/N 38-79A0972, built 1979 (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: 38-79AO972
- Airframe hours: 1899
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 SERIES 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Shoreline Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 31, 1985, 99 hours before
- Departed: HVN, NEW HAVEN, CT
- Airport: NO4, Griswold, runway 24, 1,800 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,012 total, 238 in this make and model, 937 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 43 °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 19850915076419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850915076419A), Sep 15, 1985: Piper PA38112, Madison, CT, Substantial damage. During a simulated engine failure approach,the left wing and landing gear hit tall reeds. Aircraft then hit ground.

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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