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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 25, 2011 · Piper PA-28-140 · N6980W

New Philadelphia, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
New Philadelphia, OH
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N6980W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA426

The pilot reported that, before entering the traffic pattern, he observed that the airport's windsock was limp and that, based on that information, he decided land to the southeast. He stated that, while on final approach, he encountered a strong wind gust that resulted in the airplane touching down past the touchdown zone. He noted that the airplane was too far down the runway to safely abort the landing, so he elected to steer the airplane into a field located off the right side of the runway, and the left wing collided with an electrical service box. A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. A review of historical wind data indicated that the prevailing wind had been from the north-northwest between 7 and 11 knots during the previous three hours. The pilot's description of the airplane floating past the desired touchdown zone, which resulted in insufficient runway for the landing roll, was consistent with an attempted tailwind landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's incorrect identification of the wind direction before landing, which resulted in a tailwind landing and subsequent runway excursion.

Full Narrative

On June 25, 2011, at 1750 eastern daylight time, a Piper model PA-28-140 airplane, N6980W, was substantially damaged while landing at Harry Clever Field Airport (KPHD), New Philadelphia, Ohio. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the private pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated without a flight plan. The flight departed Parr Airport (42I), Zanesville, Ohio, at 1720. The pilot reported that before entering the traffic pattern he observed the airport's windsock to be "limp/down" and that based on that information he decided land on runway 14. He stated that while on final approach he encountered a strong wind gust that resulted in the airplane touching down past the touchdown zone. He noted that the airplane was too far down the runway to safely abort the landing, so he elected to steer the airplane into a field located off the right side of the runway. The left wing was substantially damaged when it collided with an electrical service box during the runway excursion. A postaccident examination of the airplane failed to reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. At 1753, the airport's automated surface observing system reported the following weather conditions: wind 350 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 miles; an overcast ceiling at 6,000 feet above ground level; temperature 21 degrees Celsius; dew point 12 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 29.96 inches of mercury. A review of historical wind data indicated that the prevailing wind had been from the north-northwest between 7 and 11 knots during the previous three hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:50 EDT
Nearest AirportHarry Clever Field Airport (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length3951 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN6980W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 54
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data