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NTSB Report

April 15, 2018 · Piper PA 28-161 161 · N8115Y

Pensacola, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pensacola, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA 28-161 161 (1979)
Tail Number
N8115Y
Operator
Wrong Bros Aviator Training School
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA218

According to the pilot, he landed with a left crosswind with about the final third of the 3,200-ft-long runway remaining. He reported that his ground speed was too fast, and after his initial brake application, he increased brake pressure and his right shoe became "stuck between the right pedal and the toe brake." The airplane veered to the right and exited the right side of the runway, striking a runway light before it collided with a creek where it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. According to the METAR located 3 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 310° at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control and long landing in gusting wind conditions due to his shoe getting stuck on the brakes.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he landed with a left crosswind, and about the final 1/3 of the 3,200ft runway remaining. He reported that his ground speed was too fast and after his initial brake application, he increased brake pressure and his right shoe became "stuck between the right pedal and the toe brake." The airplane veered to the right and exited the right side of the runway, striking a runway light before it collided with a creek where it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section, the pilot asserted that the accident could have been prevented if he had aborted the landing earlier, or by diverting to an airport with more favorable wind conditions. According to the METAR located 3 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 310° at 12 knots and gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36. According to the Manufacturer's Pilot Operating Handbook, the performance landing chart states that the airplane required a minimum ground roll of 560ft. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest AirportFERGUSON (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28-161 161
Tail NumberN8115Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWrong Bros Aviator Training School
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 12 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 36 C
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data