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NTSB Report
September 26, 2015 · Piper PA 24 260 · N8583P
West Bend, WI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
West Bend, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA 24 260 (1965)
Tail Number
N8583P
Operator
Gordon E Hering
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA287
The pilot reported that when he initiated the landing flare, his sight picture "looked correct"; however the airplane impacted the runway before he transitioned to a "horizontal" attitude. The pilot reported that the airplane landed hard, bounced, exited the runway to the left, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies existed with the airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain his descent rate during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing and runway excursion.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that when he initiated the landing flare, his sight picture "looked correct"; however the airplane impacted the runway before he transitioned to a "horizontal" attitude. The pilot reported that the airplane landed hard, bounced, exited the runway to the left, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies existed with the airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 CDT
Nearest AirportWest Bend Muni (0nm WNW)
Runway13
Runway Length4994 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 24 260
Tail NumberN8583P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGordon E Hering
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-D4A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 59
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time22:15
Weather SourceWFAC