Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 22-150 near Meadville, PA — 2014-05-09

Final reportERA14CA243
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Date
2014-05-09
Location
Meadville, PA, USA
Airport
GKJ
Aircraft
PIPER PA 22-150
Registration
N4305A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go around in gusty wind conditions which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he deviated to a nearby airport after discovering that the winds at his intended destination were too strong. While on short final the airplane encountered a wind gust from the left and the pilot initiated a go around. The wind gust then went away and the pilot elected to abort the go around and land. After touchdown the pilot reduced power to idle and applied the brakes. Once the airplane slowed to 40 mph it was hit by a "perpendicular gust", the left wing lifted and the airplane began a mild swerve to the left side of the runway. The pilot applied full aileron deflection and full right rudder inputs; however, he was unable to maintain directional control. The pilot then applied full power to initiate another go around. During the transition from ground roll to takeoff the right gear collapsed and the right wingtip and propeller impacted the ground resulting in substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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