Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near French Valley, CA — 2012-09-14

Final reportWPR12CA419
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Date
2012-09-14
Location
French Valley, CA, USA
Airport
F70
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N7971W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during a go-around following a sudden change in wind direction.

NTSB narrative

The airplane drifted across the runway centerline during the final approach, and the pilot applied corrective control input. A gusting crosswind and high temperatures were present, and, as such, he continued the approach with the flaps retracted. He corrected for the wind by lowering the left wing, and applying right rudder control. During the flare, the wind direction shifted to a quartering tailwind, and the airplane veered to the right. Unable to keep the airplane over the runway, the pilot applied full engine power and initiated a go-around. The engine responded, but the airplane did not climb as expected, and its main landing gear made contact with the vertical stabilizer of an airplane on the taxiway. The airplane subsequently settled and landed in the adjacent parking apron, where it collided with five parked airplanes. The accident airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged, and all five parked airplanes also sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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