# NTSB SEA82DA109: Piper PA-12, N3171M, Eugene, OR, July 13, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1982, 21:48 local (Jul 13, 1982, 04:48 UTC)
- Place: Eugene, OR
- Coordinates: 44.040454, -123.220977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0405&lon=-123.2210&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 12, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70626
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA82DA109
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70626/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82DA109

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - recovery from bounced landing - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS HIGH AND FAST ON APPROACH AND BOUNCED ON THE FIRST TOUCHDOWN. ON THE SECOND TOUCHDOWN THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED AND THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3171M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3171M), registered now, S/N 12-1852, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (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: 121852
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William E. Spangler
- Registered owner: William E. Spangler
- Departed: 356, TOKETEE, OR
- Destination: X16, TAMPA, FL
- Airport: EUG, Mahlon Sweet, runway 21, 5,229 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 541 total, 46 in this make and model, 363 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 130° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Temperature: 162 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EUG

## 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 19820712039909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820712039909A), Jul 12, 1982: Piper PA12, Eugene, OR, Substantial damage. Bounced on night landing, lost control on second runway contact. Ground looped and collapsed left main gear.

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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