Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-180 near Novato, CA — 2015-06-28

Final reportGAA15CA149
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Date
2015-06-28
Location
Novato, CA, USA
Airport
DVO
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-180
Registration
N9069J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper pitch control which resulted in a bounced landing, runway excursion, and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing the airplane bounced several times while attempting to compensate for a right quartering crosswind. The pilot stated that he believed the landing gear had failed as a result of the hard landing and, "intentionally guided the plane off the runway into the grass, in fear of an explosion." As a result of the runway excursion, the airplane impacted a ditch and sustained substantial damage as the left wing separated from the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to or during flight that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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