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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 28, 2000 · Piper PA-34-200T · N345CD

Harbor Springs, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Harbor Springs, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-34-200T
Tail Number
N345CD
Operator
Bear River Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI00LA228

The pilot reported that prior to landing, he called the UNICOM for wind information. He was informed that the winds were calm, so he elected to land on runway 28. He reported that the landing approach was high and he touched down 1/3 to 1/2 way down the 4,157-foot long, wet runway. He reported he applied full brakes, but the airplane did not slow down. The pilot reported that it was too late to perform a go-around so he decided to keep the airplane on the ground. The pilot made an intentional sharp left turn to avoid a fence at the end of the runway and the right main gear collapsed when it contacted the grass off the side of the runway. The airplane came to rest almost 180 degrees to the direction of landing. The pilot reported the local winds were from 080 degrees at 7 knots. He reported, 'A flight over the wind sock would have prevented this mishap.'

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot selected the wrong runway direction in which to land and he did not perform a go-around when he realized the landing approach was too high. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind condition, the improper glidepath, and the intentional ground loop/swerve, and the fence at the end of the runway.

Full Narrative

On July 27, 2000, at 2145 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N345CD, operated by a certificated flight instructor (CFI) was substantially damaged during an intentional ground loop/swerve while landing on runway 28 (4,157' x 75', wet asphalt) at the Harbor Springs Municipal Airport, Harbor Springs, Michigan. The CFI, dual private pilot, and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The flight was operating under an IFR flight plan, which was canceled prior to landing. The flight originated from Detroit, Michigan, at 2100 eastern daylight time. The CFI reported that once they had the airport in sight he cancelled his IFR flight plan. He reported he called the UNICOM for wind information. He was informed that the winds were calm, so he elected to land on runway 28. The pilot reported that his landing approach was high and he touched down 1/3 to 1/2 way down the runway. He reported he applied full brakes, but the airplane did not slow down. The pilot reported that it was too late to perform a go-around so he decided to keep the airplane on the ground. He reported that he made an intentional sharp left turn to avoid a fence at the end of the runway and the right main gear collapsed when it contacted the grass off the side of the runway. The airplane came to rest almost 180 degrees to the direction of landing. Inspection of the airplane revealed the right wing spar, the right engine and propeller, and the right wing flap and aileron sustained damage as a result of the gear collapse. The pilot reported the local winds were from 080 degrees at 7 knots. He reported, "A flight over the wind sock would have prevented this mishap."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:45 EDT
Nearest AirportHarbor Springs (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length4157 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-34-200T
Tail NumberN345CD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBear River Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-E · Reciprocating · 200
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 61 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind4 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data