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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 10, 2009 · Piper PA-31-350 · N27231

Nondalton, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Nondalton, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N27231
Operator
Lake Clark Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC10CA002

The solo airline transport pilot reported that he was landing on a gravel-covered airstrip, at the conclusion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. He reported that while on final approach, the airplane "encountered a sinker" and it began to descend below his anticipated approach path. He added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and it landed hard on the right side of the runway. During touchdown, the airplane’s landing gear collapsed, and it continued to slide for about 150 yards, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. A weather reporting station 14 miles south of the accident site reported wind from 110 degrees at 24 knots, gusting to 35 knots 12 minutes before the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to attempt a landing in weather conducive to strong downdrafts, resulting in a loss of control.

Full Narrative

The solo airline transport pilot reported he was landing a twin-engine airplane on a gravel-covered airstrip, at the conclusion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. He reported that while on final approach, the airplane "encountered a sinker" and it began to descend below his anticipated approach path. He added full engine power to stop the descent, but the airplane continued to descend, and it landed hard on the right side of the runway. During touchdown, the airplane’s landing gear collapsed, and it continued to slide for about 150 yards, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. A weather reporting station 14 miles south of the accident site reported wind from 110 degrees at 24 knots, gusting to 35 knots 12 minutes before the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:05 AKDT
Nearest AirportNondalton Airport (0nm)
Runway20
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN27231
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLake Clark Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 310 | Lycoming · TI0-540 SER · Reciprocating · 310
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 24 kt, gusting 35 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 43 C
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data