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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 26, 2015 · Piper PA 28-180 180 · N7215W

Defuniak Springs, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Defuniak Springs, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA 28-180 180 (1963)
Tail Number
N7215W
Operator
Southern Media Partners
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA240

The pilot reported that during the landing roll it felt as if "air got under the wing." The airplane drifted to the left and departed the runway surface into the grass about 40 miles per hour. During the runway excursion, the pilot reported that he crossed over a parallel taxiway, the nose gear impacted a storm water ditch and collapsed. The firewall sustained substantial damage. According to the pilot, the reported wind from the airport automated surface observing system about the time of the accident was 350 degrees true at 9 knots, which resulted in a 9 knot crosswind component. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with a ditch.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing roll it felt as if "air got under the wing." The airplane drifted to the left and departed the runway surface into the grass about 40 miles per hour. During the runway excursion, the pilot reported that he crossed over a parallel taxiway, the nose gear impacted a storm water ditch and collapsed. The firewall sustained substantial damage. According to the pilot, the reported wind from the airport automated surface observing system about the time of the accident was 350 degrees true at 9 knots, which resulted in a 9 knot crosswind component. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportDefuniak Springs (0nm ENE)
Runway27
Runway Length4146 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28-180 180
Tail NumberN7215W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthern Media Partners
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data