Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 22 near Talkeetna, AK — 2018-06-04

Final reportGAA18CA324
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Date
2018-06-04
Location
Talkeetna, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 22
Registration
N7257D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s improper landing flare and failure to maintain a proper descent rate during approach, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that, during approach at a low level, due to "wind shear," the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly lost altitude. The instructor increased the engine power to full, but the airplane touched down "harder than normal." The airplane impacted the airstrip with a side load, and the left wing and left landing gear separated from the airplane, which then slid to a stop and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The instructor reported that the wind was from 180° and light and variable at 7 to 10 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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