Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Gerlach, NV — 2011-09-03

Final reportWPR11CA425
Sign in to save
Date
2011-09-03
Location
Gerlach, NV, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N7303W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to land at an unknown off-airport location.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was flying the airplane over a large open desert playa. He decided to land after flying low over the surface to determine if he could make a safe landing. The surface appeared to be flat and dry. Upon touching down, the landing gear dug into the about 8-inch deep soft tufa. The airplane cartwheeled, resulting in separation of the left wing and bending and wrinkling the left horizontal stabilizer. The left side of the fuselage, the engine mount, and the firewall were also bent and wrinkled.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps