Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Merritt Island, FL — 2018-05-11

Final reportGAA18CA292
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Date
2018-05-11
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
Airport
COI
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N610FT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, during a solo flight, while landing, she encountered a wind gust that "tilted" the airplane right. She attempted to maintain centerline, but the left main landing gear touched down hard. She then taxied to park without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located about 8 miles southeast of the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 3 knots. The student pilot landed the airplane on runway 11.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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