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NTSB Report

August 26, 2015 · Piper PA 28-180 180 · N1417X

Susanville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Susanville, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA 28-180 180 (1975)
Tail Number
N1417X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA239

The pilot reported that while en route to his destination, the wind at the destination airport was reported as 180 degrees magnetic, at 19 to 22 knots, gusting 25 to 28 knots. The pilot reported that he added 5 knots to the "normal speed" of 70 knots for approach to "help compensate" for the gusts. About 20 feet above the ground, the airspeed "suddenly dropped" to 60 knots, the pilot added full power in an attempt to go-around, the left wing "abruptly lifted", and according to the pilot, "all remaining altitude was quickly lost". The airplane's right wing impacted the ground and the airplane cart-wheeled. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed control during the landing in gusty wind conditions, resulting in an abnormal runway contact, and collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while en route to his destination, the wind at the destination airport was reported as 180 degrees magnetic, and19 to 22 knots, gusting 25 to 28 knots. The pilot reported that he added 5 knots to the "normal speed" of 70 knots for approach to "help compensate" for the gusts. About 20 feet above the ground, the airspeed "suddenly dropped" to 60 knots, the pilot added full power in an attempt to go-around, the left wing "abruptly lifted", and according to the pilot, "all remaining altitude was quickly lost". The airplane's right wing impacted the ground and the airplane cart-wheeled. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:05 PDT
Nearest AirportSusanville Muni (0nm ENE)
Runway25
Runway Length2180 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28-180 180
Tail NumberN1417X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 14 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data