PIPER PA-28-161 near Kelso, WA — 2022-07-12

Probable cause

The student pilot’s inadequate flare resulting in a loss of airplane control during landing with gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, during the flare for landing, the airplane experienced ground effect and was settling down to the runway when it was hit by “a very intense wind shear with a gust…” The pilot stated that the airplane yawed to the left and that he could not recover as the airplane exited the runway onto the grass. The airplane’s right wing was substantially damaged when it collided with a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• EMAIL-PILOT STATEMENTinterview
• PHOTO ARRAY-COURTESY OF THE OWNERphotos

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