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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 6, 2014 · Piper PA 32-260 260 · N3502W

Anderson, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 6, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Anderson, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 32-260 260 (1966)
Tail Number
N3502W
Operator
Valley Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC14CA060

The pilot was landing the tricycle gear equipped airplane at a remote, unimproved airport, which was surrounded by mountainous terrain. Before beginning his approach, the pilot assessed the wind conditions, and then planned an approach into a 25 to 35 knot quartering headwind. On short final, approximately 20 feet above ground level, a sudden wind shift caused the airplane to descend faster than anticipated. He attempted to arrest the descent by adding engine power, but the airplane landed hard and the right main wheel axle separated from the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, aileron and stabilator. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been avoided if a windsock had been present at the airport; he also stated that notes in the Alaska Supplement warning operators of wind shear hazards associated with the terrain surrounding the airport would enhance safety.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot was landing the tricycle gear equipped airplane at a remote, unimproved airport, which was surrounded by mountainous terrain. Before beginning his approach, the pilot assessed the wind conditions, and then planned an approach into a 25 to 35 knot quartering headwind. On short final, approximately 20 feet above ground level, a sudden wind shift caused the airplane to descend faster than anticipated. He attempted to arrest the descent by adding engine power, but the airplane landed hard and the right main wheel axle separated from the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, aileron and stabilator. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been avoided if a windsock had been present at the airport; he also stated that notes in the Alaska Supplement warning operators of wind shear hazards associated with the terrain surrounding the airport would enhance safety.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 32-260 260
Tail NumberN3502W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorValley Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 25 kt, gusting 35 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data