Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32R-301 near Louisville, KY — 2011-07-02

Final reportERA11LA386
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Date
2011-07-02
Location
Louisville, KY, USA
Airport
LOU
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32R-301
Registration
N8319N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's improper flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.

NTSB narrative

The pilot performed a steep descent while on approach, and the airplane touched down on the runway and bounced. The left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway, where it struck a taxiway sign and sustained substantial damage to its fuselage and both wings. When interviewed after the accident, the pilot did not report experiencing any mechanical malfunctions. However, he subsequently reported that the engine did not respond to a throttle control input after the airplane bounced and that he was not certain whether he experienced any mechanical malfunctions. Examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions. The airplane had been operated for about 20 hours since its most recent annual inspection, which was performed about 4 months prior to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have initiated a go-around instead of continuing the approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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