PIPER PA-23-250 near Clayton, NY — 2011-05-11

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to obtain a proper touchdown point while landing with a gusting tailwind.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane was about to touch down when a gust of wind caused the left wing to drop toward the ground. The wing impacted the ground and skidded on the turf runway. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest and was engulfed in flames, which resulted in substantial damage. The airplane landed approximately 150 feet prior to the turf runway’s threshold. The wind, recorded at an airport 12 miles to the south about the time of the accident, was from 030 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 19 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane at the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

• Landing area undershoot · Landing

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Pilotform
• Memorandum For Record - FAA Conversationother
• Watertown New York Weatherother
• Photo 1: Airplane At Rest (Courtesy of the FAA)photos
• Photo 2: Airplane At Rest Looking Towards Runway (Courtesy of the FAA)photos

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