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NTSB Report

June 17, 1997 · Piper PA-38-112 · N2455F

Minneapolis, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N2455F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA169

The student pilot said that the airplane bounced during landing. 'To avoid continued bounces, I decided to go-around. When I added power, the plane turned, heading off the runway. I tried to regain airspeed with full power.' The student pilot said that he did not have sufficient altitude to clear some buildings on the northwest side of the airport. He flew the airplane between two buildings. 'It [the airplane] appears to have caught a wire drawn between the buildings. The plane pitched down, hitting two fences. The airplane came to rest in a group of trees.' Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during a go-around (aborted landing). Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's improper flare for landing, the reduced light conditions at dusk, and the obstruction (static wire) that was encountered during the go-around.

Full Narrative

On June 16, 1997, at 1938 central daylight time (cdt), a Piper PA-38-112, N2455F, operated by a student pilot, sustained substantial damage when on a go-around from a bounced landing, the airplane struck a wire. The airplane subsequently impacted into a field. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. A flight plan was not on file. The student pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 1930 cdt. In his written statement, the student pilot said that the airplane bounced during landing. "To avoid continued bounces, I decided to go-around. When I added power, the plane turned, heading off the runway. I tried to regain airspeed with full power." The student pilot said that he did not have sufficient altitude to clear some buildings on the northwest side of the airport. He flew the airplane between two buildings. "It [the airplane] appears to have caught a wire drawn between the buildings. The plane pitched down, hitting two fences. The airplane came to rest in a group of trees." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the wreckage at the site found the airplane resting in a field on the west side of an airport perimeter road. The inspector observed several propeller strikes in the road crossing from east to west. Damage was observed to a 3/8-inch rusted static wire located 150 feet east of the accident site. Both of the airplane's wings had broken off at the wing roots. The aft fuselage and empennage were twisted to the left. The airplane's nose gear was bent aft and upward. The airplane's firewall was bent aft. The propeller fittings were sheared at the flange. Both propeller blades were pealed rearward, and showed torsional bending and chordwise scratching. Flight control continuity was confirmed. Examination of the engine, engine controls and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:55 CDT
Nearest AirportCRYSTAL (1nm NW)
Runway31L
Runway Length3266 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN2455F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data