Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-151 near Julian, NC — 2010-10-28

Final reportERA11CA040
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Date
2010-10-28
Location
Julian, NC, USA
Airport
N88
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-151
Registration
N44078
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he departed on the personal flight for the purpose of having an annual inspection performed on his airplane at the destination airport. While approaching the airport, he observed the windsock indicating the wind was from the south, and chose the appropriate runway. The pilot planned his approach to clear the fence at the end of the runway and still have enough distance for the roll out on the grass runway. Knowing that the terrain sloped upward from the fence to the runway threshold, he aimed to touchdown on the crest of the hill. As the airplane approached the runway, the pilot added power to compensate for a fast rate of decent, then reduced power when he felt he had was aligned appropriately. The airplane touched down about half way up the slope and the nose gear collapsed; the airplane came to rest at the top of the slope. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the firewall was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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