Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32 near Carlisle, PA — 2022-03-18

Final reportERA22LA195
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Date
2022-03-18
Location
Carlisle, PA, USA
Airport
N94
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32
Registration
N4468X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in the airplane’s empennage impacting the runway surface during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while in the landing flare, about 5 to 7 ft above ground level, the airplane “suddenly dropped” to the ground and the airplane’s tail struck the runway. The pilot then taxied the airplane to parking uneventfully. During a subsequent inspection of the airplane, the pilot and a mechanic found that the airplane’s empennage had sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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