Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Fort Pierce, FL — 2021-02-22

Final reportERA21LA139
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Date
2021-02-22
Location
Fort Pierce, FL, USA
Airport
FPR
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N885AC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot under instruction’s improper landing flare and attempted go-around which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

NTSB narrative

The pilot under instruction was undergoing a stage check. On what was to be the last landing, the pilot was to perform a short field landing. As the airplane approached the runway, the pilot initiated the landing flare too high. The stall warning horn annunciated, and the flight instructor instructed the pilot to execute a go around. However, the pilot did not add power, so the flight instructor took over the flight controls, and added full power. The flight instructor tried to recover, but the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall, started turning into the wind, and directional control of the airplane was lost. The airplane then started descending and yawing to the right, and the airplane touched down hard coming to rest on the grass off the right side of the runway. The airplane’s left wing and stabilator were substantially damaged.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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