Casualties unknown

1991-04-16: Piper PA-28-161 (N143ND) — University OF North Dakota — Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks, ND, US

On April 16, 1991, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N143ND) operated by University OF North Dakota was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE VISUAL OUTLOOK BY THE PILOT OF THE OTHER AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

While entering the airport traffic area under positive control, an aircraft's stabilizer was hit by the propeller of another aircraft entering the pattern. The pilot continued a touch-and-go and landing unaware; the next user discovered damage during preflight.

Incident Overview

During entry into the airport traffic area while under positive control, an aircraft was struck on the underside of its stabilizer. The impact was caused by the propeller of another aircraft that was also entering the traffic pattern. The two aircraft were converging at the time of the collision.

Flight Continuation

After the strike, the affected aircraft proceeded to enter the traffic pattern, performed a touch-and-go landing, and subsequently executed a full-stop landing. The pilot of the aircraft did not become aware of the damage sustained during the incident.

Damage Discovery

The damage was discovered during the next preflight inspection by a different user of the aircraft. The inspection revealed two slash marks on the bottom of the horizontal stabilator and the trim tab. The slashes were consistent with contact from the propeller of the other aircraft. No other damage was reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16763. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.