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NTSB Report

February 8, 2004 · Piper PA 28-161 · N38988

Lansing, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 8, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Lansing, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA 28-161
Tail Number
N38988
Operator
Personal
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04LA063

The airplane was substantially damaged during a hard landing. The pilot stated that during the landing approach, he noticed another airplane at the holding lines of the runway. He stated that on final approach the other airplane moved. He reported that subsequent to the other airplane's movement, he looked back at the threshold, flared, and "hit the runway hard." After the hard landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane struck a snowbank. The pilot reported no mechanical difficulties, and stated that he should have executed a go-around when he saw the other airplane move.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper flare by the pilot due to his diverted attention during landing. Factors were the pilot's failure to execute a go-around, the overload of the right main landing gear, and the snowbank.

Full Narrative

On February 8, 2004, about 1330 central standard time, a Piper PA 28-161, N38988, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage while landing at Lansing Municipal Airport (IGQ), Lansing, IL. The local flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and 4 passengers sustained no injuries. The personal flight originated at 1320. The pilot stated he was landing on runway 18 (4,002 feet by 75 feet, ice covered asphalt) at IGQ when the right main landing gear broke through the wing. The pilot reported the final approach was looking good with no drifting. Cessna traffic was present at the airport doing full stop, taxi back landings when the accident occurred. The Cessna traffic was behind the hold short lines when the accident airplane was on short final. The pilot stated that he noticed the Cessna rolling past the hold short lines as he prepared to land. He reported glancing at his airspeed indicator which read "66 knots", after he saw the Cessna move past the lines. Shortly after he glanced at the indicator, he passed over the threshold and "hit the runway hard." The pilot realized there was a problem with the airplane and maintained directional control by using the rudder pedals until the airplane slowed. The airplane rolled into a snow bank following the right gear failure. The pilot reported no mechanical difficulties. He also reported that he should have executed a go-around when he saw the Cessna airplane cross the holding lines.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CST
Nearest AirportLansing Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4002 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28-161
Tail NumberN38988
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPersonal
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-01A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time19:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data