Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Hollister, CA — 2025-09-11

Final reportWPR25LA275
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Date
2025-09-11
Location
Hollister, CA, USA
Airport
1C9
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N7756N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed go-around from an unstabilized approach that resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while on final approach to the runway, the airplane was high and fast, and he performed a slip to “get more on speed.” During the landing flare, the airplane floated significantly down the runway, and the pilot initiated a to go-around by applying full power. During the go-around, the airplanes wheels touched down about 2/3rds down the grass runway and the pilot increased back pressure, and the airplane became airborne, when he noticed that the airspeed indicated about 45 knots, and that the stall warning system light was mostly on with some intermittent flashes. The pilot stated that he thought they did not have the airspeed to fly out of ground effect and decided to abort the go around by reducing the engine power to idle after the airplane had cleared an obstacle. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard, bounced, and flew another few hundred feet before it impacted a dirt mound and nosed over. The pilot added that throughout the entire accident sequence, he had 40° flaps selected. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 05 with wind from 250° at 11 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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