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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 3, 1988 · Piper PA-32-260 · N4878S

Colorado Spring, CO

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
Colorado Spring, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N4878S
Operator
Cunningham Charles
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN88LA144

THE PLT AND PAX DEPARTED ST. LOUIS AND STOPPED TWICE ENROUTE DUE TO WX. THE PLT WAS GIVEN LANDING CLEARANCE ON RWY 17 AT COLORADO SPRINGS AND THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM 190 DEGREES AT 12 KTS. WITNESSES AT THE ARPT STATED N4878S 'PORPOISED' SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE LANDING BEFORE THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PLT WAS RECENTLY CERTIFICATED AND HAD A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 66 HOURS WITH 18 HOURS IN THE PA-32-260. THE PLT WAS INVOLVED IN A SIMILAR ACCIDENT IN KANSAS SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER THIS ACCIDENT.

Full Narrative

THE PLT AND PAX DEPARTED ST. LOUIS AND STOPPED TWICE ENROUTE DUE TO WX. THE PLT WAS GIVEN LANDING CLEARANCE ON RWY 17 AT COLORADO SPRINGS AND THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM 190 DEGREES AT 12 KTS. WITNESSES AT THE ARPT STATED N4878S 'PORPOISED' SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE LANDING BEFORE THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PLT WAS RECENTLY CERTIFICATED AND HAD A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 66 HOURS WITH 18 HOURS IN THE PA-32-260. THE PLT WAS INVOLVED IN A SIMILAR ACCIDENT IN KANSAS SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER THIS ACCIDENT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:50 MDT
Nearest AirportColorado Springs Muni. (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length11021 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN4878S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCunningham Charles
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 12 kt
Visibility65 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data