Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-161 near Raleigh, NC — 2011-12-30

Final reportERA12CA160
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Date
2011-12-30
Location
Raleigh, NC, USA
Airport
5W5
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-161
Registration
N8330S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane encountered a gust of wind at the start of the landing flare, and the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway. The airplane touched down, and during the landing roll, the left main landing gear departed the left side of the runway. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to control the airplane with rudder input, but the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane veered to the left and came to rest in mud, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The wind recorded at an airport 14 miles to the south about the time of the accident, was from 200 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The pilot reported there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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