Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Chandler, AZ — 2017-08-14

Final reportGAA17CA487
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Date
2017-08-14
Location
Chandler, AZ, USA
Airport
CHD
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N915PA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The solo student pilot reported that, after completing three takeoffs and landings unassisted with his flight instructor, he took off for his first solo. He added that, during the first solo landing, the airplane "floated" in ground effect for about 4 to 5 seconds, and he added rudder to align the airplane with the runway centerline. He further added that the airplane's nosewheel was "not straight when it touched [down]" on the runway. Subsequently, the student pilot applied brake to maintain directional control and then applied power to abort the landing, but the airplane veered off the runway to the right. He then reduced power to idle and stopped the airplane in the grass next to the runway and awaited instructions from air traffic control. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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