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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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February 10, 1999 · Piper PA-34-200T · N39531

Sanford, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 10, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Sanford, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-34-200T
Tail Number
N39531
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA99LA078

The pilot reported that a late flare and too much speed resulted in a ballooning of the airplane and subsequent porpoising resulting in the damage. The impact was not violent and did not seem to be hard enough to produce the resulting damage. He was able to taxi off the runway with no problem. Only upon engine stoppage did he notice the propeller was damaged. Airport operations personnel picked up a briefcase and flight bag from the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot misjudged the flare resulting in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.

Full Narrative

On February 10, 1999, about 1755 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N39531, landed hard on runway 09, at the Sanford Airport, Sanford, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage. The private-rated pilot and four passengers reported no injuries. The flight originated from Key West, Florida, at 1600. The pilot reported that he was too fast on the landing touchdown, causing the airplane to porpoise, and land hard. Some parts fell off the airplane. Airport operations personnel picked up a briefcase and flight bag from the runway. The pilot stated, "...a late flare and too much speed resulted in a ballooning of the airplane and subsequent porpoising resulting in the damage. The impact was not violent and did not seem to be hard enough to produce the resulting damage. I was able to taxi off the runway with no problem...only upon engine stoppage did I notice the prop."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:55 EST
Nearest AirportSANFORD (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-34-200T
Tail NumberN39531
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-KB · Reciprocating · 200
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data