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NTSB Report
April 4, 1986 · Piper PA-38-112 · N91301
Novato, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Novato, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N91301
Operator
Marin Air Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA165
A PA-38 LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A TAKEOFF WITH BOTH THE STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR PILOT AT THE CONTROLS. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE BUT BOTH PILOTS WERE UNINJURED. THE WIND WAS 90 DEGREES CROSSWIND AT 10 KNOTS GUSTING TO 15 KNOTS. THE INSTRUCTOR STATED THE STUDENT WAS TRYING TO STEER THE AIRCRAFT LIKE A CAR AND COULD HAVE INADVERTENTLY APPLIED OPPOSITE BRAKE INSTEAD OF RUDDER. THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH BEFORE THE INSTRUCTOR COULD TAKE POSITIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION.
Full Narrative
A PA-38 LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A TAKEOFF WITH BOTH THE STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR PILOT AT THE CONTROLS. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE BUT BOTH PILOTS WERE UNINJURED. THE WIND WAS 90 DEGREES CROSSWIND AT 10 KNOTS GUSTING TO 15 KNOTS. THE INSTRUCTOR STATED THE STUDENT WAS TRYING TO STEER THE AIRCRAFT LIKE A CAR AND COULD HAVE INADVERTENTLY APPLIED OPPOSITE BRAKE INSTEAD OF RUDDER. THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH BEFORE THE INSTRUCTOR COULD TAKE POSITIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PST
Nearest AirportNOVATO (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN91301
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMarin Air Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT