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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 27, 2009 · Piper PA-20 · N5540A

Fairbanks, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-20
Tail Number
N5540A
Operator
Rice Wesley R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC09CA107

The student pilot reported that he was attempting to land at the short and rough off-airport site in his personal tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. He said during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a dip in the surface, and he lost directional control, with the airplane veering to the right, off the airstrip, and nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and its associated lift struts. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's decision to attempt an off-airport landing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

The student pilot reported to the NTSB investigator in charge during a telephone conversation on September 28, 2009, that he was attempting to land at the short and rough off-airport site in his personal tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. He said during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a dip in the surface, and he lost directional control, with the airplane veering to the right, off the airstrip, and nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and its associated lift struts. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. FAA medical records indicate he had approximately 14 hours total flight experience as of June 10, 2009. The student pilot did not complete an NTSB accident report form as requested.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-20
Tail NumberN5540A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRice Wesley R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data