Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-25-235 near Fairfield, PA — 2010-07-03

Final reportERA10LA345
Sign in to save
Date
2010-07-03
Location
Fairfield, PA, USA
Airport
W73
Aircraft
PIPER PA-25-235
Registration
N9809P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper touchdown point which resulted in an overrun.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tow plane had just completed his third glider tow and landed. Witnesses observed the airplane touchdown further down the landing area than was typical and noted that the approach appeared to be very high and fast. During the landing roll, the pilot intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid colliding with people and other obstacles at the end of the landing area. The tow plane impacted a stationary glider positioned to be launched on the runway. The glider's left wing and rudder incurred substantial damage, as did the tow plane's right wing and horizontal stabilizer. A postaccident examination revealed that there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

Related mishaps