Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28 near Estherville, IA — 2017-06-14

Final reportGAA17CA338
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Date
2017-06-14
Location
Estherville, IA, USA
Airport
EST
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28
Registration
N33764
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain crosswind correction during a go-around in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The solo student pilot reported that, as the airplane entered ground effect, while landing in crosswind conditions, a wind gust lifted the airplane and pushed it to the left. He added that he initiated a go-around and "[pushed] the nose down slightly to gain lift." He further added that, during the go-around, he "must have relaxed the aileron countering the wind," and a wind gust pushed the airplane to the left. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground and spun around. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located on the airport reported that, about 23 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 16.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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