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NTSB Report

March 25, 2004 · Piper PA-28-181 · N340PA

Louisville, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 25, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Louisville, KY
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N340PA
Operator
Air Center 1
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04CA094

As the student pilot was landing on the 80-foot wide runway, it began to drift to the right of the centerline. The certified flight instructor (CFI) immediately took control of the airplane, lowered the nose, and added full power. Attempts by the CFI to correct the drift using rudder and aileron inputs were unsuccessful, and the airplane touched down on the right side of the runway. The airplane continued down the right side of the runway, where the right wing struck a taxiway identification sign. The CFI additionally stated that he did not experience any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The winds reported at the airport, at 1153, were from 200 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, and the CFI's delayed remedial action. A factor related to the accident was the gusting wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On March 25, 2004, at 1139 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, N340PA, was substantially damaged while landing at the Bowman Field (LOU), Louisville, Kentucky. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the CFI, as the student pilot was landing on runway 24, a 4,326-foot long, 80-foot wide asphalt runway; it began to drift to the right of the centerline. The CFI immediately took control of the airplane, lowered the nose, and added full power. Attempts by the CFI to correct the drift using rudder and aileron inputs were unsuccessful, and the airplane touched down on the right side of the runway. The airplane continued down the right side of the runway, where the right wing struck a taxiway identification sign. The CFI additionally stated that he did not experience any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The winds reported at the airport, at 1153, were from 200 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:39 CST
Nearest AirportBowman Field (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length4326 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN340PA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Center 1
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 28 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 12 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 52
Altimeter30.38 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data