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NTSB Report

October 1, 2008 · Piper PA-28-161 · N251ND

Crookston, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 1, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Crookston, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N251ND
Operator
Und Aerospace Foundation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA008

The student pilot stated that he was established on final approach for runway 31 (4,300 feet by 75 feet, dry asphalt) and "everything was on track." When the airplane crossed the threshold, he reduced engine power and began the landing flare. After touchdown, the student pilot applied the brakes, which resulted in a skid and he was unable to maintain control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement and came to rest in a ditch. The left main landing gear collapsed. The student pilot was performing his first landing on his initial solo flight at the time of the accident. He noted that the skies were clear and the winds were calm. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 13 hours total flight time, with 9 hours in the same make and model airplane. A post accident inspection did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre impact failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the student pilot's limited flight experience. Additional factors were the presence of the ditch adjacent to the runway and the resulting collapse of the left main landing gear.

Full Narrative

The student pilot stated that he was established on final approach for runway 31 (4,300 feet by 75 feet, dry asphalt) and "everything was on track." When the airplane crossed the threshold, he reduced engine power and began the landing flare. After touchdown, the student pilot applied the brakes, which resulted in a skid and he was unable to maintain control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement and came to rest in a ditch. The left main landing gear collapsed. The student pilot was performing his first landing on his initial solo flight at the time of the accident. He noted that the skies were clear and the winds were calm. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 13 hours total flight time, with 9 hours in the same make and model airplane. A post accident inspection did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre impact failure or malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 CDT
Nearest AirportCrookston Muni (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN251ND
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUnd Aerospace Foundation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 43 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data