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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

June 4, 2018 · Piper PA 22 150 · N7257D

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 4, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 22 150 (1957)
Tail Number
N7257D
Operator
Christiansen Lake Rentals & Maintenance
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA324

The flight instructor reported that, during approach at a low level, due to "wind shear," the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly lost altitude. The instructor increased the engine power to full, but the airplane touched down "harder than normal." The airplane impacted the airstrip with a side load, and the left wing and left landing gear separated from the airplane, which then slid to a stop and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The instructor reported that the wind was from 180° and light and variable at 7 to 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s improper landing flare and failure to maintain a proper descent rate during approach, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that, during approach at a low level, due to "wind shear" the airplane had a sudden altitude loss. The pilot increased the engine power to full but the tailwheel equipped airplane touched down "harder than normal." The airplane impacted the airstrip with a side load; the left wing and left landing gear separated. The airplane slid to a stop and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The instructor pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the instructor, "wind shear conditions" were present on the approach. The pilot reported the wind from 180 degrees, light and variable at 7 to 10 knots. The automated weather observation station located on the airport about 8 nautical miles away reported that the wind was from 200° at 9 knots; visibility at 10 SM; cloud condition few at 11,000 ft. AGL; temperature 61°F; dew point 39°F; and barometric setting of 29.80 inches Hg.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport7nm WNW
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 22 150
Tail NumberN7257D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChristiansen Lake Rentals & Maintenance
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 39 C
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data