Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Big Bear, CA — 2017-06-04

Final reportGAA17CA354
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Date
2017-06-04
Location
Big Bear, CA, USA
Airport
L35
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N9238W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a "sudden massive gust of wind" that pitched the nose up. He pushed the yoke forward, but the wind shifted to a tailwind, and the airplane "slammed" onto the runway. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, the airplane veered right off the runway, and it then came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 4 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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