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NTSB Report
May 1, 1991 · Piper PA 38-112 · N2578L
Fresno, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fresno, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA 38-112
Tail Number
N2578L
Operator
Golden Eagle Enterprises
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA189
A PIPER PA 38-112 COLLIDED WITH A SIGN POST AFTER A LOSS OF CONTROL ON RUNWAY 29R. THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRPLANE YAWED LEFT DURING THE LANDING FLARE AND TOUCHED DOWN WITH THE NOSE 20 DEGREES LEFT OF CENTERLINE. THE AIRPLANE THEN ROLLED OUT ACROSS THE RUNWAY SHOULDER AND STRUCK A SIGN POST WITH THE RIGHT WING. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT STATED, 'I MADE AN ERROR IN JUDGEMENT IN DEPARTING WITH SUCH STRONG FORECASTED WINDS. THE GREATEST ERROR WAS IN JUDGING THAT I WAS CAPABLE OF HANDLING THOSE WINDS.' THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE REPORTED TO BE FROM 322 DEGREES AT 25 KNOTS GUSTING TO 29 KNOTS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS DURING THE LANDING TOUCHDOWN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY WHILE ANALYZING THE FORECAST WINDS DURING PREFLIGHT PLANNING, AND THE STRONG WIND CONDITIONS THAT EXISTED DURING HIS LANDING.
Full Narrative
A PIPER PA 38-112 COLLIDED WITH A SIGN POST AFTER A LOSS OF CONTROL ON RUNWAY 29R. THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRPLANE YAWED LEFT DURING THE LANDING FLARE AND TOUCHED DOWN WITH THE NOSE 20 DEGREES LEFT OF CENTERLINE. THE AIRPLANE THEN ROLLED OUT ACROSS THE RUNWAY SHOULDER AND STRUCK A SIGN POST WITH THE RIGHT WING. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT STATED, 'I MADE AN ERROR IN JUDGEMENT IN DEPARTING WITH SUCH STRONG FORECASTED WINDS. THE GREATEST ERROR WAS IN JUDGING THAT I WAS CAPABLE OF HANDLING THOSE WINDS.' THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE REPORTED TO BE FROM 322 DEGREES AT 25 KNOTS GUSTING TO 29 KNOTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 PDT
Nearest AirportFresno Air Terminal (0nm N)
Runway29
Runway Length9222 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 38-112
Tail NumberN2578L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGolden Eagle Enterprises
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind322° @ 25 kt, gusting 29 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 21 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:50
Weather SourceWFAC