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July 7, 2008 · Piper PA-28-161 · N2851Z

Canyon City, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Canyon City, OR
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N2851Z
Operator
Cirrus Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA243

The pilot reported that prior to departing for the flight to a ranch airstrip, he called the ranch owner, who advised him to always land to the south at the airstrip. While en route, he checked the weather at an airport located about 23 nautical miles from the airstrip and learned that the wind was from 310 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 16 knots. Upon reaching the airstrip, the pilot looked for a windsock or other wind indicator, but did not find one. He discounted the wind information he had obtained for the distant airport, as it was located over a mountain range from the airstrip, and decided to land to the south on runway 18 based on the ranch owner's advice. The pilot's first approach was "too fast" and he executed a go-around. On the second approach, he touched down and "felt an immediate drift to the left." The left wing tip struck a 2-inch diameter tree at the edge of the runway. The airplane continued veering to the left, and impacted a 4-inch diameter tree and an embankment before coming to a stop. The left wing spar sustained structural damage. The pilot stated that his "decision to land to the south, in a crossing tail wind with gusts, is the biggest factor for this accident."

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that prior to departing for the flight to the ranch airstrip, he called the ranch owner, who advised him to always land south at the airstrip. While en route, he checked the weather at an airport located about 23 nautical miles from the airstrip and learned that the wind was from 310 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 16 knots. Upon reaching the airstrip, the pilot looked for a windsock or other wind indicator, but did not find one. He discounted the wind information he had obtained as the airport was located over a mountain range from the airstrip and decided to land to the south on runway 18 based on the ranch owner's advice. The pilot's first approach was "too fast" and he executed a go-around. On the second approach, he touched down and "felt an immediate drift to the left." The left wing tip struck a 2-inch diameter tree at the edge of the runway. The airplane continued to the left, impacting a 4-inch diameter tree and a bank before coming to a stop. The left wing spar sustained structural damage. The pilot stated that his "decision to land to the south, in a crossing tail wind with gusts, is the biggest factor for this accident."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 PDT
Nearest AirportInshallah International (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN2851Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCirrus Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 11 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data