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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 11, 2018 · Piper PA28 161 · N610FT

Merritt Island, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Merritt Island, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA28 161 (1989)
Tail Number
N610FT
Operator
2Fly Airborne
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA292

The student pilot reported that, during a solo flight, while landing, she encountered a wind gust that "tilted" the airplane right. She attempted to maintain centerline, but the left main landing gear touched down hard. She then taxied to park without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar. The student 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 located about 8 miles southeast of the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 3 knots. The student pilot landed the airplane on runway 11.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The student pilot reported that, during a solo flight, while landing, she encountered a gust of wind that "tilted" the airplane to the right. She attempted to maintain centerline, but the left main landing gear touched down hard. She then taxied to park without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar. The student 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 located about 8 miles to the southeast of the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 3 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 11.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 EDT
Nearest AirportMerritt Island (0nm WNW)
Runway11
Runway Length3601 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 161
Tail NumberN610FT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operator2Fly Airborne
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time13:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data