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NTSB Report
September 15, 2016 · Piper PA 28 140 · N5673U
Parkersburg, WV
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Parkersburg, WV
Aircraft
Piper PA 28 140 (1969)
Tail Number
N5673U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA490
The flight instructor reported that while on short final during an initial night flight with a student pilot, he commented to the student pilot that the airspeed was low. He then recognized that they were "in a high sink rate" and took over the flight controls. He further reported that he attempted to recover the high sink rate by advancing the throttle to full forward. The engine responded to the throttle input, but the airplane impacted the ground short of the runway threshold and slid about 30 feet left of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during the approach for landing, which resulted in impact with terrain short of the runway threshold. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate during the approach for landing.
Full Narrative
The flight instructor reported that while on short final during an initial night flight with a student pilot, he commented to the student pilot that the airspeed was low. He then recognized that they were "in a high sink rate" and took over the flight controls. He further reported that he attempted to recover the high sink rate by advancing the throttle to full forward. The engine responded to the throttle input, but the airplane impacted the ground short of the runway threshold and slid about 30 feet left of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:10 EDT
Nearest AirportMid-Ohio Valley Rgnl (0nm SSW)
Runway03
Runway Length7240 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 28 140
Tail NumberN5673U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind10° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC