Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA15CA021

Everglades City, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N254WM

PIPER PA-24-260

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

According to the pilot, the flight was uneventful; however, as he flared the airplane in ground effect, it floated and overran the runway coming to rest inverted, in about 6 feet of water. He was unable to recall if he applied power to the engine in order to perform a go-around. An eyewitness reported that the airplane's landing gear did not make contact with the runway surface and subsequently contacted mangrove vegetation at the departure end of the runway prior to the airplane nosing over into the water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or abnormalities with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper approach to landing and his failure to perform a go-around, which resulted in a runway overshoot, runway excursion, and collision with vegetation and water.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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