Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Chehalis, WA — 2012-01-27

Final reportWPR12LA087
Sign in to save
Date
2012-01-27
Location
Chehalis, WA, USA
Airport
KCLS
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N15791
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot did not correctly manage his glide profile during a simulated engine-out forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision not to add additional engine power, which resulted in a runway undershoot.

NTSB narrative

While performing a simulated engine-out forced landing as part of a flight review, the pilot did not manage the glide profile in a manner that allowed him to extend the glide all the way to the approach end of the runway at the non-controlled airport. Because he did not add any engine power, the airplane touched down in a grassy area about 300 feet short of the runway threshold. The flight instructor who was giving the flight review stated that he did not suggest to the pilot that he add power, because it appeared to him that the grassy area was clear. At the point of touchdown, the airplane's stabilator impacted a piece of rebar that had been placed in the ground to mark the location of a future airport lighting system component. The rebar was outside of the boundary of the runway safety area.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to manage glide profile and add engine power to reach runway.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps