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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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March 3, 1985 · Piper PA-28-140 · N8468R

Healdsburg, CA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 3, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Healdsburg, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N8468R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA164

A PVT PLT & AN INSTRUCTOR PLT (CFI) WERE ON A BFR INSTRUCTIONAL FLT. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS FLT, THE PVT PLT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE PIC. THE CFI REPORTED THAT WHEN THE ACFT WAS AT 3500 FT AGL, HE RETARDED THE THROTTLE TO SIMULATE AN ENG FAILURE. THE PVT PLT ESTABLISHED THE ACFT IN A PATTERN TO THE ARPT. AFTER CROSSING OVER THE ARPT AT ABOUT 1200 FT AGL, HE MANEUVERED TO LAND ON RWY 31. HOWEVER, ON FINAL APCH, THE ACFT ENTERED A RAPID SINK RATE & SUBSEQUENTLY HIT A FENCE BEFORE REACHING THE RWY. THE FLAPS WERE RETRACTED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT.

Full Narrative

A PVT PLT & AN INSTRUCTOR PLT (CFI) WERE ON A BFR INSTRUCTIONAL FLT. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS FLT, THE PVT PLT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE PIC. THE CFI REPORTED THAT WHEN THE ACFT WAS AT 3500 FT AGL, HE RETARDED THE THROTTLE TO SIMULATE AN ENG FAILURE. THE PVT PLT ESTABLISHED THE ACFT IN A PATTERN TO THE ARPT. AFTER CROSSING OVER THE ARPT AT ABOUT 1200 FT AGL, HE MANEUVERED TO LAND ON RWY 31. HOWEVER, ON FINAL APCH, THE ACFT ENTERED A RAPID SINK RATE & SUBSEQUENTLY HIT A FENCE BEFORE REACHING THE RWY. THE FLAPS WERE RETRACTED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 PST
Nearest AirportHealdsburg Muni (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length2570 ft
Runway Width31 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN8468R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 10 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data