# NTSB SEA86LA042: Piper PA-22-108, N5338Z, Ellensburg, WA, January 20, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 19, 1986, 16:30 local (Jan 20, 1986, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Ellensburg, WA
- Coordinates: 46.970771, -120.469749 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.9708&lon=-120.4697&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): 40345
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40345/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA042

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

A GUST OF WIND OCCURRED ON SHORT FINAL AND A LOSS OF AIRSPEED RESULTED AT ABOUT 15 FEET A.G.L THE PILOT FAILED TO ADD POWER BUT RAISED THE AIRCRAFT'S NOSE TO AN ATTITUDE WHERE HE COULD NO LONGER SEE THE RUNWAY. LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY ONTO 1 FOOT DEEP SNOW. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST INVERTED DURING LANDING ROLL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5338Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5338Z-2013-04-09), registration cancelled 2013-04-09, S/N 22-9050, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-108
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-108](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-108) (registry code 7102204) (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: 22-9050
- Airframe hours: 5900
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1B 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Kibler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 8, 1985
- Departed: EAT, WENATCHEE, WA
- Destination: ELLENSBURG, WA
- Airport: Valley Aviation

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 112 total, 61 in this make and model, 84 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19860119018129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860119018129A), Jan 19, 1986: Piper PA22108, Ellensburg, WA, Substantial damage. Drifted off side of runway during landing flare in crosswind. Touched down in soft deep snow and nosed over.

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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