Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28 near Latrobe, PA — 2016-10-14

Final reportGAA17CA026
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Date
2016-10-14
Location
Latrobe, PA, USA
Airport
LBE
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28
Registration
N9097U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in the airplane’s wing striking the ground while the pilot was maneuvering to realign with the runway.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while on right downwind and after being cleared for a touch-and-go landing, the tower controller instructed him to make a short approach. The pilot further reported that, during approach, the airplane was to the left of the runway, so he attempted to correct to the right, and "believe[s] that…[he] had applied full right rudder." Subsequently, the right wing impacted the ground and the airplane cart-wheeled. The right wing separated from the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported as a safety recommendation that the accident could have been prevented if he had executed a go-around.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
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Docket documents3

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