Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report
Location:
Shakopee, MN
Accident Number:
CEN24LA360
Date & Time:
September 20, 2024, 12:04 Local
Registration:
N2083D
Aircraft:
Piper PA-44-180
Injuries:
2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under:
Part 91: General aviation - Instructional
On September 20, 2024, at 12:04 central daylight time, a Piper PA-44-180 airplane, N2083D,
was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Shakopee, Minnesota.
There were two pilots on board both were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a
Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
One of the pilots, a flight instructor, was recently hired to instruct in the airplane and was
receiving a check out flight from the assistant chief flight instructor. According to both pilots,
they departed Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that morning for a local
one-hour flight. The run-up, taxi, and takeoff were all normal. The airplane departed to the
southwest and climbed to about 5,500 ft mean sea level. The flight instructor receiving the
check out, performed several flight maneuvers in the airplane then began a descent and
proceeded back to FCM. About three nm from FCM, and about 800 to 1,000 ft above ground
level, both engines began to run roughly, and manifold pressure decreased. Then both engines
completely stopped. The assistant chief flight instructor took control of the airplane while the
other pilot pushed the mixture, propeller, and throttle controls to their full forward position. The
airplane was landed in a park southwest of FCM.
A postaccident examination revealed that there were about 25 gallons of fuel in each nacelle,
and both fuel selectors were in the “on” position. Both engines contained oil. The wings,
fuselage, and empennage sustained substantial damage. The airplane was retained for further
examination.
Page 1 of 2
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
CEN24LA360
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make:
Piper
Registration:
N2083D
Model/Series:
PA-44-180
Aircraft Category:
Airplane
Thunderbird Aircraft Co
Operating Certificate(s)
Held:
Pilot school (141)
Amateur Built:
Operator:
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site:
VMC
Condition of Light:
Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
KFCM,906 ft msl
Observation Time:
11:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site:
3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point:
24°C /12°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
9 knots / 17 knots, 270°
Lowest Ceiling:
None
Visibility:
10 miles
Altimeter Setting:
29.83 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
None
Departure Point:
Minneapolis, MN (FCM)
Destination:
Minneapolis, MN (FCM)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries:
2 Serious
Aircraft Damage:
Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
N/A
Aircraft Fire:
None
Ground Injuries:
N/A
Aircraft Explosion:
None
Total Injuries:
2 Serious
Latitude, Longitude:
44.784167,-93.499167
Administrative Information
Investigator In Charge (IIC):
Abraham, Laura
Additional Participating Persons:
Greg Thurston; FAA; Minneapolis, MN
Investigation Class:
Class 3
Note:
The NTSB did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Page 2 of 2
This information is preliminary and subject to change.
CEN24LA360