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NTSB Report

December 16, 1997 · Piper PA-28-181 · N8068Z

Bally, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 16, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Bally, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N8068Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD98LA016

The airplane touched down on runway 16, about 1,000 foot down the 2,420 foot long runway. The pilot said he was unable to stop on the runway, and the airplane exited the runway, and crossed a road into a field. The weather reported at an airport 21 miles west of the accident site, included winds from 260 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot reported over 86 hours of total flight experience, including 17 hours of pilot in command, all in make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Related factors were tailwind, and lack of total experience.

Full Narrative

On December 16, 1997, at 1330 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, N8068Z, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain while landing at the Butter Valley Golf Port Airport, Bally, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated at Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The pilot reported that his flight from Pottstown was uneventful. He said the airplane touched down on runway 16, about 1,000 feet down the 2,420 foot long runway. He said, "...the 1,400 feet proved not to be enough to stop given my groundspeed, and I steered the plane to the right to avoid obstacles... ." The airplane exited the runway, and crossed a road into a field. The 1245 surface weather observation at an airport about 21 miles west of Bally, reported the winds from 260 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot reported over 86 hours of total flight experience, including 17 hours of pilot in command, all in make and model. He also reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EST
Nearest AirportButter Valley Golf Port (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length2420 ft
Runway Width85 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN8068Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 9 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data