Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-34-220T near Sedona, AZ — 2010-03-26

Final reportWPR10LA240
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Date
2010-03-26
Location
Sedona, AZ, USA
Airport
SEZ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-34-220T
Registration
N110RV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

In preparation for a flight home, the pilot started his airplane's left engine. However, the right engine would not start and the battery became depleted. The pilot acquired assistance from a local fixed base operator who supplied current from an external battery, and the right engine started. The pilot proceeded to check all of the airplane's instruments and noted no anomalies. Seconds after takeoff on runway 21, when the pilot attempted to raise the landing gear, all electrical power was lost. The pilot reversed course and immediately landed on runway 03 with a 15- to 24-knot left quartering tailwind. The pilot misjudged the landing flare, the airplane touched down hard, and the right engine's propeller and wing impacted the runway and were damaged.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have checked battery condition before attempting to start right engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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