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NTSB Report
April 22, 2008 · Piper PA-46-350P · N345RP
Chapel Hill, NC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-46-350P
Tail Number
N345RP
Operator
Ralph Patterson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC08CA169
The pilot reported the wind was "gusty and bumpy" during final approach to the destination airport. As the airplane "crossed the numbers" for runway 9, it touched down and "ballooned up" twice, before the pilot added power to avoid a stall. When it touched down again, the nose wheel broke off, and the propeller struck the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall. At the time of the accident, the winds were recorded from 050 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. Contributing to the accident was the gusty wind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the Piper PA-46-350P reported the wind was "gusty and bumpy" during final approach to the destination airport. As the airplane "crossed the numbers" for runway 9, the airplane touched down and "ballooned up" twice, before the pilot added power to avoid a stall. At the same time, the airplane touched down again, the nose wheel broke off, and the propeller struck the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall. At the time of the accident, the winds were recorded from 050 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest AirportHorace Williams Airport (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length4005 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-46-350P
Tail NumberN345RP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRalph Patterson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 · Reciprocating · 350
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 12 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 57
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC