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NTSB Report
May 17, 1996 · Piper PA-32RT-300T PA-32RT-30 · N21312
Kernville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kernville, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32RT-300T PA-32RT-30
Tail Number
N21312
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX96LA202
According to the pilot, his initial approach to runway 17 appeared normal. However, a downdraft was encountered as he crossed over the runway numbers, and the airplane made a hard touchdown. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid off the runway and down an embankment. The pilot reported that the local wind was from the south-southwest at 15 to 20 knots.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the downdraft condition and subsequent failure to maintain a proper rate of descent.
Full Narrative
On May 17, 1996, at 1250 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T, N21312, owned and operated by the pilot, had the landing collapse while landing on runway 17 at the Kern Valley Airport, Kernville, California. The airplane slid off the runway and down an embankment. The airplane was destroyed, and the private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight which originated from Santa Monica, California, at 1150. According to the pilot, his initial approach to runway 17 appeared normal. However, a downdraft was encountered as he crossed over the runway numbers. The pilot reported that the local wind was from the south-southwest at 15 to 20 knots.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:50 PDT
Nearest AirportKern Valley (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32RT-300T PA-32RT-30
Tail NumberN21312
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-S1AD · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO