Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near Crystal, NV — 2010-01-30

Final reportWPR10CA124
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Date
2010-01-30
Location
Crystal, NV, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N9083W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ground vehicle during a low-altitude maneuver.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport and was descending for landing when he saw his friend's car on the dirt road below him. He decided to make a 180-degree turn, and rolled out facing the car. The pilot stated that it looked like he was going to be low so he started a recovery from the descent. The closure rate was too fast and the left main landing gear of the airplane struck the vehicle. The pilot reported that he continued the climb to about 200 feet and made another turn to check on his friend. The pilot subsequently made a forced landing on the road. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted the top of the berm next to the road. During the collision with the vehicle, the left main landing gear had been sheared off and the driver of the vehicle sustained serious injuries.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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