Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA334

Geneva, OH, USA

Aircraft #1

N32088

PIPER PA28R

Analysis

The pilot of the airplane reported that, during landing, she added full flaps, and the wind shifted. She applied full power, but the airplane settled, and the left main landing gear touched down on the left edge of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees on the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable and that she landed on runway 19. The automated weather observation system about 9 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 7 knots. Additional weather observations from the same site showed that, from 1 hour before the accident until 1 hour after the accident, the wind direction varied from south-southwest to west-northwest, and the speed varied from 6 to 8 knots.

Factual Information

The pilot of the airplane reported that during landing, she added full flaps, and the wind shifted. She applied full power, but the airplane settled, and the left main landing gear touched down on the left edge of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees on the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the wind was light and variable and that she landed on runway 19. The automated weather observation system about 9 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 7 knots. Additional weather observations from the same site showed that, from one hour before the accident until one hour after the accident, the wind direction varied from south-southwest to west-northwest, and the speed varied from 6 to 8 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper landing flare in variable wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane landing on the left edge of the runway and impacting trees.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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