Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32-300 near Nunapitchuk, AK — 2009-04-10

Final reportANC09LA030
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Date
2009-04-10
Location
Nunapitchuk, AK, USA
Airport
16A
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32-300
Registration
N43551
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during the landing approach.

NTSB narrative

The solo commercial pilot was en route to a rural airport on a Title 14, CFR Part 135 air taxi flight with a load of cargo. During an interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on April 10, the pilot stated that the flight was without incident until he began the approach to land. He indicated he had difficulty finding the runway in reduced visibility due to blowing snow. He stated he prematurely slowed the airplane in preparation for landing, as he thought he was closer to the runway than he was. He said that due to his low altitude and the poor visibility, he overshot his turn from left base to final, and while attempting to correct and realign the airplane with the runway, the stall warning horn came on, and the airplane stalled, striking the left wing on terrain west of the runway. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane, and that he should have paid more attention to his altitude and airspeed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have initiated a go-around instead of trying to salvage the landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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