Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32-301 near King Cove, AK — 2010-04-26

Final reportANC10LA032
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Date
2010-04-26
Location
King Cove, AK, USA
Airport
PAVC
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32-301
Registration
N8305H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate during gusty winds while landing, resulting in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot was on a passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The pilot said he was on short final for the destination runway and his airspeed was indicating 100 knots. The pilot reported that he encountered wind gusts/shear and his airspeed dropped to zero, and the airplane landed hard. He said the left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck the ground. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that the left wing and fuselage received substantial damage during the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing due to wind shear conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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