# NTSB WPR09CA030: Piper PA-38-112, N2346G, Friant, CA, October 31, 2008

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 31, 2008, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Friant, CA
- Coordinates: 37.000831, -119.618057 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0008&lon=-119.6181&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 24, 2008
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69387
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR09CA030
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69387/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA030

## Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to execute a go-around in timely manner, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Also causal was the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and delayed remedial actions.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-38-112, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=7103812), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041500): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-38-112, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041500/cases.md?model=7103812), [All aircraft, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041500/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other person](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021535): Personnel issues › Psychological · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-38-112, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021535/cases.md?model=7103812), [All aircraft, 200 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021535/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Simulated/training event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/600); cases with it: [Piper PA-38-112, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/600/sequence.md?model=7103812), [All aircraft, 173 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/600/sequence.md)
- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-38-112, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=7103812), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The purpose of the dual instructional flight was for the student pilot to practice simulated engine failures under the direction of his certified flight instructor (CFI). After completing three simulated engine failures without mishap, and the student setup for a fourth attempt. The airplane descended to about 100 feet above ground level (agl) and the student configured the airplane for a go-around by adding power and pitching the nose upward. Several seconds later the airplane collided with terrain. The CFI stated that accident could have been prevented if the go-around was initiated at a higher altitude. The CFI further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

## Factual narrative

In a written statement, the certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to practice simulated engine failures. The flight proceeded to mountainous area about 15 miles from the base airport. Three simulated engine failures were performed without mishap and the student setup for a fourth attempt. The airplane descended to about 100 feet above ground level (agl) and the student configured the airplane for a go-around by adding power and pitching the nose upward. Several seconds later the airplane collided with terrain. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the CFI stated that accident could have been prevented if the go-around was initiated at a higher altitude. The CFI further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2346G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2346G-2013-02-12), registration cancelled 2013-02-12, S/N 38-79A0502, 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: 38-79A0502
- Engines: LYCOMING 0-235 SERIES 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Golden Eagle Enterprises Inc
- Registered owner: Golden Eagle Enterprises Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: FAT, Fresno, CA
- Destination: FAT, Fresno, CA
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: FAT, Fresno International Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Flight instructor; age 24; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; seat: right; flight hours: 1,730 total, 300 in this make and model, 1,190 as pilot in command, 290 in the last 90 days, 99 in the last 30 days
- Student pilot; age 27; injuries: none; student; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 115 total, 115 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft overcast

## 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 20081031851909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081031851909A), Oct 31, 2008: Piper PA38112, Friant, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) A student pilot with an instructor, was practicing a simulated emergency landing over a flat mtn plateau,got too low, entered a sudden severe downdraft…

## Other investigations on N2346G (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX94LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA049), Nov 17, 1993: Piper PA-38-112 (N2346G), Fresno, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: was the student pilot's improper use of the rudder. The student pilot's lack of total experience was a factor in this accident.

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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