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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 24, 2004 · Piper PA-20 · N7321K

Laurel, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Laurel, MT
Aircraft
Piper PA-20
Tail Number
N7321K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA04LA044

The student pilot reported that after completing some flight training with his instructor, he then prepared for his first solo flight to accomplish touch-and-go landings. The student stated that the first landing was without incident. During the second landing, the student reported that it was "rough" and he "powered then brought it in again." The landing was soft but the aircraft was sideways to runway heading. The student then reached down to release the flaps and, "As I did I began to wander." The student stated that he only meant to "touch the brakes, but apparently I applied too much." The aircraft then nosed over and came to rest inverted. Post accident inspection of the wheels and brakes found no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll. Inadequate remedial action was a factor.

Full Narrative

On February 24, 2004, about 0800 mountain standard time a Piper PA-20, N7321K, registered to and operated by the student pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 local instructional flight, nosed over during the landing roll at Laurel Municipal Airport, Laurel, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. In a written statement, the student pilot reported that after completing some flight training with his instructor, the student pilot prepared for his first solo flight to accomplish touch-and-go landings. The student stated that the first landing was without incident. During the second landing, the student reported that it was "rough" and he "powered then brought it in again." The landing was soft but the aircraft was sideways to runway heading. The student then reached down to release the flaps and, "As I did I began to wander." The student stated that he only meant to "touch the brakes, but apparently I applied too much." The aircraft then nosed over and came to rest inverted. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Helena, Montana, Flight Standards District Office was in the area of the Laurel Airport at the time of the accident. The Inspector reported that evidence of skid marks and propeller strikes were noted on the runway surface. The wheels and brakes were inspected and no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 MST
Nearest AirportLaurel Municipal (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length3775 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-20
Tail NumberN7321K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C / 23 C
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data