Pilot Debrief

Piper PA-28R-200 near San Antonio, TX — 2008-03-05

Final reportDFW08CA077
Sign in to save
Date
2008-03-05
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
Airport
KSSF
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Registration
N41517
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was asked to perform a power-off 180 degree accuracy landing as part of the practical test for a commercial pilot certification. The first attempt was terminated with a go-around. The second approach appeared normal according to the designated pilot examiner onboard, until approximately five seconds before touchdown. At that point the airplane rate of descent increased to approximately 1000 feet per minute and the airspeed slowed below 75 miles per hour and the airplane "dropped onto the runway." Neither the pilot nor examiner noticed any apparent damage at that time and elected to continue the flight. Upon completion of the flight the airplane was examined by maintenance for a hard landing and substantial damage was confirmed to both wings at the landing gear assembly mounts.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

Related mishaps