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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 4, 2017 · Piper PA28 235 · N9238W

Big Bear, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 4, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Big Bear, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA28 235 (1967)
Tail Number
N9238W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA354

The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a "sudden massive gust of wind" that pitched the nose up. He pushed the yoke forward, but the wind shifted to a tailwind, and the airplane "slammed" onto the runway. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, the airplane veered right off the runway, and it then came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 4 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing flare the airplane encountered a "sudden massive gust of wind" that pitched the nose up. He pushed the yoke forward, but the wind shifted to a tailwind and the airplane "slammed" onto the runway. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, the airplane veered right off the runway and came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 4 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26. Note: The accident airport is at an elevation of about 6752 ft., with a calculated density altitude about the time of the accident of 9211 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 PDT
Nearest AirportBig Bear City (0nm E)
Runway26
Runway Length5850 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 235
Tail NumberN9238W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 310
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time20:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data