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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

January 21, 2010 · Piper PA-28-181 · N8428H

Great Barrington, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 21, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Great Barrington, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N8428H
Operator
Alper Gert
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA122

The pilot initially reported that as the airplane approached runway 11, it touched down about one-third down the runway and the left brake "stayed on a little longer" than the right brake, causing the airplane to depart the left side of the runway. The pilot subsequently reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Several witnesses, including two flight instructors, reported that the airplane approached high and fast, touched down about two-thirds down the runway, and veered off the left side of the runway during braking. Examination of the runway by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed even skid marks, beginning about 733 feet from the end of the runway, traveling off the left side of the runway. The FAA inspector added that the airplane subsequently struck a snowbank and sustained damage to the right wing spar. Examination of the brakes by the FAA inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The reported winds at an airport about 15 miles north of the accident site, about the time of the accident, were from 020 degrees at 6 knots; however, one of the flight instructor witnesses reported that the winds were favoring runway 29, at 5 to 10 knots, at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper approach, failure to perform a go-around, and failure to maintain directional control while braking after a long landing.

Full Narrative

The airplane was approaching runway 11, a 2,579-foot-long, 50-foot-wide, asphalt runway. The pilot initially reported that the airplane touched down about one-third down the runway, the left brake "stayed on a little longer" than the right brake, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot subsequently reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions on the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report form. Several witnesses, including two flight instructors, reported that the airplane approached high and fast, touched down about two-thirds down the runway, and veered off the left side of the runway during braking. Examination of the runway by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed even skid marks, beginning about 733 feet from the end of the runway, traveling off the left side of the runway. The FAA inspector added that the airplane subsequently struck a snowbank and sustained damage to the right wing spar. Examination of the brakes by the FAA inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The reported winds at an airport about 15 miles north of the accident site, about the time of the accident, were from 020 degrees at 6 knots; however, one of the flight instructor witnesses reported that the winds were favoring runway 29, at 5 to 10 knots, at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EST
Nearest AirportWalter J Kolazda Airport (0nm)
Runway11
Runway Length2579 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN8428H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlper Gert
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 10 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time18:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data