# NTSB NYC91LA208: Piper PA-38-112, N2507B, Butler, PA, August 12, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1991, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Butler, PA
- Coordinates: 40.859233, -79.889663 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8592&lon=-79.8897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36987
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36987/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA208

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, RESULTING IN THE AIRPLANE DEPARTING THE RUNWAY AND IMPACTED WITH THE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - touch-and-go - initiated, pilot in command
  - weather condition - crosswind (cause)
  - supervision - improper, pilot in command(cfi)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi)
  - aircraft control - not attained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted
  - terrain condition - grass

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL FROM A TOUCH AND GO LANDING THE AIR PLANE STARTED TO DRIFTED LEFT.  THE CFI INSTRUCTED THE STUDENT TO APPLY RIGHT RUDDER, BUT THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO DRIFT LEFT.  THE RUNWAY IN USE AT THE TIME WAS 08 AND ACCORDING TO THE CFI THE WINDS WERE 360 AT 10 KNOTS.  THE CFI THEN APPLIED RIGHT RUDDER, HOWEVER THE AIRPLANE PIVOTED ONTO THE GRASS. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER IN THE GRASS AND CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN.  THE FAA EXAMINED THE AIRPLANE AND FOUND NO DISCREPANCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2507B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2507B-2012-09-10), registration cancelled 2012-09-10, S/N 38-79A0096, 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: 38-7970096
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Beaver Aviation Service Inc.
- Registered owner: Beaver Aviation Service Inc.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: BTP, Butler County, runway 8, 4,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,039 total, 374 in this make and model, 951 as pilot in command, 94 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 15 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19910812033999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910812033999A), Aug 12, 1991: Piper PA38112, Butler, PA, Substantial damage. Student allowed aircraft veer into crosswind landing. CFI took over. Aircraft pivoted right. Left runway. Flipped.

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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