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NTSB Report

March 18, 2012 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N56273

Arcola, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 18, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Arcola, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Tail Number
N56273
Operator
Dutch Wings
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA189

The pilot-receiving-instruction was attempting to land the airplane in a right quartering crosswind, which was gusting to 15 knots. The pilot reported that an application of full left rudder along with right aileron input was required to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust and drifted off the left side of the runway. He stated that his flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and attempted a go-around, but the airplane was unable to climb and subsequently landed in a ditch. The flight instructor reported that he assumed control of the airplane as it drifted off the runway, and the airplane had insufficient airspeed to establish a climb. He further noted that the pilot did not relinquish his left rudder input, and, because of this, in combination with the left-turning tendency experienced at takeoff power, he was unable to reestablish directional control before the airplane impacted a ditch. The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate crosswind correction during the landing flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

On March 18, 2012, at 1738 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, N56273, was substantially damaged while landing at Houston Southwest Airport (KAXH), Arcola, Texas. The flight instructor and pilot-receiving-instruction were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Dutch Wings, LLC, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 while on an instrument flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight that departed KAXH at 1500. The pilot-receiving-instruction reported that an application of full left rudder along with right aileron input was required to maintain alignment with the runway centerline during final approach to runway 9 (5,003 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). He stated that as the airplane crossed over the touchdown zone he reduced engine power and flared for touchdown. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust and drifted off the left edge of the runway. He stated that his flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and attempted a go-around, but the airplane was unable to climb and subsequently landed in a ditch before sliding into a nearby hangar. The flight instructor reported that the airplane encountered a wind gust during the landing flare and began to drift left of the runway centerline. He noted that he assumed control of the airplane as it drifted off the left side of the runway. He stated that he advanced engine power for a go-around, but the airplane had insufficient airspeed to establish a climb. He further noted that the pilot-receiving-instruction did not relinquish his left rudder input, and in combination with the left-turning tendency experienced at takeoff power he was unable to reestablish directional control before the airplane impacted a ditch. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. At 1735, the airport's automated surface observing system reported the following weather conditions: wind 130 degrees at 11 knots, gusting 15 knots; visibility 10 miles; temperature 23 degrees Celsius; dew point 20 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 29.98 inches of mercury. The sky condition was not reported.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:38 CDT
Nearest AirportHouston Southwest Airport (0nm)
Runway09
Runway Length5003 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN56273
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDutch Wings
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 29 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 11 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time22:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data