Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-161 near Garberville, CA — 2010-08-12

Final reportWPR10CA372
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Date
2010-08-12
Location
Garberville, CA, USA
Airport
O16
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-161
Registration
N9353C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper airspeed, misjudged approach, and failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of familiarity with the airport.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while on the base leg of the traffic pattern his view of the unfamiliar airport, located in a mountain valley, was inhibited due to a hill. As the airport came into view the pilot realized he was too high and he initiated a descent with reduced power and full flaps. The airplane approached the runway with higher than normal airspeed and by the time the airplane touched down; there was not enough runway to stop. The airplane exited the end of the runway and proceeded into a ditch, substantially damaging the firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident. The pilot further stated the accident could have been prevented by familiarizing himself with the airport.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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