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May 14, 2018 · Piper PA 32R 300 · N25WE

Cape Carteret, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 14, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cape Carteret, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA 32R 300 (1981)
Tail Number
N25WE
Operator
Axiom Capital Solutions
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA281

According to the pilot in the retractable-landing gear-equipped airplane, he set up for an extended final approach to the sandy turf runway. He waited until he cleared the trees and "then…dropped down to land." The main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. The main and nose landing gear collapsed upon contact with the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane slid about 300 ft before it came to a stop on the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the lower fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector who examined the airplane at the accident site reported that witnesses stated that the pilot landed the airplane hard on the sandy turf surface. However, the pilot stated that he did not. However, the pilot did state that he really had to bring the airplane in steep over the trees to get it on the runway. Photographs provided by the operator showed vertical deformation of both wings at the main landing gear mount location.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s steep approach, which resulted in a hard landing and the collapse of the landing gear during touchdown.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot in the retractable landing gear-equipped airplane, he set up for an extended final approach to the sandy turf runway. He waited until he cleared the trees, "then I dropped down to land." The main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. The main and nose landing gear collapsed upon contact with the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane slid about 300ft before it came to a stop on the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the lower fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation Safety Inspector that examined the airplane at the accident site, reported that witnesses had stated that the pilot landed hard on the sandy turf surface. However, the pilot stated that he did not. Nevertheless, the pilot did state that he really had to bring it in steep over the trees to get the airplane on the runway. Photographs provided by the operator showed vertical deformation of both wings at the main landing gear mount location.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest AirportStar Hill Golf Club (0nm NNW)
Runway06
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 32R 300
Tail NumberN25WE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAxiom Capital Solutions
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1G5D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time16:57
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data