Casualties unknown

1982-08-13: Piper PA-38 (N2454F) — Hill Aviation, Inc. — Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA, US

On August 13, 1982, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2454F) operated by Hill Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in a descending left turn and subsequent impact with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on his first solo flight crashed while attempting a go-around at the direction of air traffic control, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

The incident occurred while a student pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings during his first solo flight. During the final approach phase of one such landing, air traffic control instructed the pilot to execute a go-around due to spacing requirements behind another aircraft.

The pilot reported that he applied full power, retracted the flaps, climbed out to an altitude of 800 feet, and then initiated a turn toward the crosswind leg. According to witness reports, the aircraft began a descending left turn from this point. The descent continued without recovery until the aircraft made contact with the ground.

The investigation

Investigation details regarding mechanical examination are not provided in the source text.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the accident was the loss of control during the go-around maneuver. The aircraft entered a descending left turn after reaching 800 feet, which resulted in ground contact. No further contributing factors or mechanical findings are documented in the available records.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the go-around maneuver, which resulted in a descending left turn and subsequent impact with the terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04044. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.