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October 24, 2001 · Piper PA-32-300 · N4033W

Lake Wales, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 24, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lake Wales, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N4033W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA005

According to the pilot, while landing on a private grass strip, the airplane hydroplaned and veered off the left side of the runway striking a fence. The pilot said that it had rained earlier and the grass strip was wet with some standing water. The pilot did not report over flying the grass strip prior to landing to determine the landing surface condition.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to land on a wet sod runway which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing. Factors were the wet grass strip which allowed the airplane to hydroplane.

Full Narrative

On October 24, 2001, at 1515 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, N4033W, registered to and operated by the private pilot, collided with a fence during landing at the Lake Wales, Chalet Suzanne Airport in Lake Wales, Florida. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot and passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Vandenberg, Florida, at 1330. According to the pilot, he made a normal left hand pattern approach to the private runway. Just prior to his arrival a heavy down pour had soaked the field. The pilot did not report over flying the grass strip prior to landing to determine the landing surface condition. As he touched down on the runway the airplane started veering to the right side of the runway. He applied rudder to correct then the airplane veered to the left side of the runway and started hydroplaning out of control. He attempted to correct with no response. The airplane skidded off the runway through a small ditch and a wire fence and came to a stop off the field in a nose down attitude. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane prior to the accident. The post-accident examination of the airplane also failed to reveal a mechanical problem with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Strip (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN4033W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data