Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near Big Bear City, CA — 2021-06-22

Final reportWPR21LA245
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Date
2021-06-22
Location
Big Bear City, CA, USA
Airport
L35
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N15381
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate flare and subsequent loss of airplane control during an aborted landing in gusting wind, which resulted in impact with trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that immediately upon touchdown on runway 26, the airplane ballooned, possibly the result of an unexpected gust. As the airplane ascended, he noted the airplane drifted to the right of runway center line and he initiated a go-around. The pilot said that the airplane began a steep bank to the right as he advanced the throttle. As the wings leveled, the airplane was headed towards a tree line, and he noted that impact with trees was imminent. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and a postimpact fire destroyed the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was wind from 200° at 10 knots with gusts to 16 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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