Casualties unknown

1983-03-12: Piper PA-38-112 (N23415) — Fresno, CA

Fresno, CA, US

On March 12, 1983, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N23415) was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. 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 second supervised solo landing executed a hard landing and high bounce, followed by a stall recovery, after losing directional control in a crosswind.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, on his second supervised solo flight, experienced a hard landing while attempting a touch-and-go landing clearance. The aircraft was subjected to a crosswind condition, with the wind 40 degrees off the right of the aircraft nose at 9 knots, as observed locally at 1601. The accident occurred at 1559.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot was unable to maintain directional control during the landing. He attempted to align the aircraft using right aileron and right rudder inputs. Following a hard landing and a subsequent high bounce, the aircraft approached a stall condition. In response, the pilot lowered the nose of the aircraft and retracted the flaps.

Instructor's Observations

According to the instructor, the wind had increased following a dual flight. When the instructor made this observation, it was too late to contact the student. The student had departed at 1553.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42491. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.