Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28R-180 near Ridgely, MD — 2011-04-04

Final reportERA11LA229
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Date
2011-04-04
Location
Ridgely, MD, USA
Airport
RJD
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28R-180
Registration
N7619J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction's inadequate compensation for the wind during landing and delay in executing a go-around, which resulted in a loss of airspeed, low final approach, and subsequent collision with the ground short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate surveillance and remedial action.

NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor and two commercial pilots departed on a training flight to practice maneuvers in preparation for the commercial pilots' flight instructor practical tests. One of the commercial pilots (pilot receiving instruction) was manipulating the controls at the time of the accident. The pilot receiving instruction entered the airport traffic pattern and configured the airplane to perform a power-off approach and landing. While on final approach, the airplane's airspeed deteriorated and the airplane began to sink. The pilot receiving instruction applied full engine power to initiate a go-around, but the airplane continued to sink and impacted the ground short of the runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. The nearest weather facility reported about a 70-degree left crosswind at 22 knots, gusting to 27 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
The commercial pilot could have aborted the approach earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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