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April 27, 2013 · Piper PA-28-180 · N7780N

Owatonna, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 27, 2013
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Owatonna, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N7780N
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13CA247

The pilot reported that he was conducting practice instrument approaches under visual flight rules with a safety pilot at the time of the accident. After the fourth approach, they elected to land the airplane. The safety pilot assumed control of the airplane so that the pilot could prepare for landing. The airplane ended up on a “very close-in base leg” that resulted in the airplane being high on final approach. The pilot took control of the airplane from the safety pilot and elected to continue the landing. The pilot reported that the conditions, including a right crosswind, resulted in the airplane touching down on the left side of the runway. The pilot elected to execute a go-around and applied full engine power. The airplane subsequently made an unintended left turn and impacted the grassy area adjacent to the runway, substantially damaging the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane before the accident. In addition, postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the he was conducting practice instrument approaches under visual flight rules with a safety pilot at the time of the accident. After the fourth approach, they elected to land instead of conducting an instrument approach. The safety pilot assumed control of the airplane so that the pilot could prepare for landing. The airplane ended up on a “very close-in base leg” that resulted in the airplane being high on final approach. The pilot took control of the airplane from the safety pilot and elected to continue the landing. The pilot reported that the conditions, including a strong right crosswind, resulted in the airplane touching down on the left side of the runway. The pilot elected to execute a go-around and applied full engine power. The airplane did not respond as expected and it made an unintended left turn, subsequently impacting the ground in the grass area adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. In addition, a postaccident examination conducted by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 CDT
Nearest AirportOwatonna Degner Regional (1nm)
Runway12
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN7780N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 52 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 12 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 48
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data