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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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NTSB Report

September 28, 1997 · Piper PA-22-160 · N3402Z

Belleview, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Belleview, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N3402Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA144

The pilot stated 'at about 30 feet above ground level' he was long for landing and attempted a go-around. The airplane continued to descend, and it bounced on the runway. The pilot also stated that when he pushed the yoke forward, to gain airspeed for the go-around, 'the airplane collided with the runway and went off the runway to the left where the airplane contacted a fence and some trees.' A review of current weather data from the nearest reporting facility disclosed that, the prevailing wind was from 240 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, and his delay in initiating a go-around, which resulted in a hard touchdown, loss of directional control, and collision with objects (fence and trees).

Full Narrative

On September 28, 1997, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-22-160, N3402Z, veered off the left side of runway 18, collided with a tree, and nosed over at Norton Airstrip in Belleview, Florida. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. No flight plan was filed for the local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed the time of the accident. The private pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Ocala, Florida, at 1500. The pilot stated "at about 30 feet above ground level" he was long for landing and attempted a go-around. The airplane continued to descend and bounced on the runway. The pilot also stated when he pushed the yoke forward, to gain airspeed for the go-around, "the airplane collided with the runway and went off the runway to the left where the airplane contacted a fence and some trees". During the wreckage examination, there was no disclosure of any mechanical problems with the airplane. A review of current weather data from the nearest reporting facility disclosed that, the prevailing winds were 240 degrees at 10 knots with wind gusting to 15 knots. Runway 18 was the active runway at Norton Airstrip when the accident occurred.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportNorton Airstrip (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN3402Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 AIA · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data