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September 14, 2012 · Piper PA-28-180 · N7971W

French Valley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 14, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
French Valley, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N7971W
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA419

The airplane drifted across the runway centerline during the final approach, and the pilot applied corrective control input. A gusting crosswind and high temperatures were present, and, as such, he continued the approach with the flaps retracted. He corrected for the wind by lowering the left wing, and applying right rudder control. During the flare, the wind direction shifted to a quartering tailwind, and the airplane veered to the right. Unable to keep the airplane over the runway, the pilot applied full engine power and initiated a go-around. The engine responded, but the airplane did not climb as expected, and its main landing gear made contact with the vertical stabilizer of an airplane on the taxiway. The airplane subsequently settled and landed in the adjacent parking apron, where it collided with five parked airplanes. The accident airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged, and all five parked airplanes also sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The airplane drifted across the runway centerline during the final approach, and the pilot applied corrective control input. Gusting crosswind and high temperatures were present, and as such, he continued the approach with the flaps retracted. He corrected for the wind by lowering the left wing, and applying right rudder control. During the flare, the wind direction shifted to a quartering tailwind, and the airplane veered to the right. Unable to keep the airplane over the runway, he applied full engine power and initiated a go-around. The engine responded, but the airplane did not climb as expected, and its main landing gear made contact with the vertical stabilizer of an airplane on the taxiway. The airplane subsequently settled and landed in the adjacent parking apron, where it collided with five parked airplanes. Both the accident airplane, and all five parked airplanes, sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 PDT
Nearest AirportFrench Valley (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN7971W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 7 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data