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NTSB Report

June 22, 2021 · Piper PA-28-235 · N15381

Big Bear City, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 2021
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Big Bear City, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235 (1972)
Tail Number
N15381
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
WPR21LA245

The pilot reported that immediately upon touchdown on runway 26, the airplane ballooned, possibly the result of an unexpected gust. As the airplane ascended, he noted the airplane drifted to the right of runway center line and he initiated a go-around. The pilot said that the airplane began a steep bank to the right as he advanced the throttle. As the wings leveled, the airplane was headed towards a tree line, and he noted that impact with trees was imminent. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and a postimpact fire destroyed the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was wind from 200° at 10 knots with gusts to 16 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate flare and subsequent loss of airplane control during an aborted landing in gusting wind, which resulted in impact with trees.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that immediately upon touchdown on runway 26, the airplane ballooned, possibly the result of an unexpected gust. As the airplane ascended, he noted the airplane drifted to the right of runway center line and he initiated a go-around. The pilot said that the airplane began a steep bank to the right as he advanced the throttle. As the wings leveled, the airplane was headed towards a tree line, and he noted that impact with trees was imminent. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and a postimpact fire destroyed the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was wind from 200° at 10 knots with gusts to 16 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 PDT
Nearest AirportBig Bear City (1nm E)
Runway26
Runway Length5850 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN15381
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-540-B4B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 10 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 F
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time14:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data