Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Metaline Falls, WA — 2009-07-23

Final reportWPR09CA363
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Date
2009-07-23
Location
Metaline Falls, WA, USA
Airport
09S
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N2903A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure, during the landing roll, to identify the end of the runway and stop the airplane within the space available.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing on the unimproved mountain airstrip, he did not apply the brakes as he intended to “coast” up to the end of the runway, and then depart in the opposite direction, downhill. The pilot did not identify the end of the runway until the last moment when he applied the brakes and full right rudder. However, the airplane exited the runway and impacted a ditch, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear. The pilot stated that he had identified the red runway end marker in the air, but could not see it in the tall grass until it was too late. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear assembly. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or flight control system.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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