PIPER PA-28-161 near Melbourne, FL — 2009-02-26

Probable cause

The student pilot's inadequate crosswind landing technique and the certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

According to the student pilot, the purpose of the instructional flight was to practice crosswind landings. The flight was to be the student pilot's last flight in preparation for his first solo flight. The certified flight instructor (CFI) who was giving the instruction reported that the airplane was landed hard with a side load. Inspection of the airplane after the flight revealed a crack in the right wing’s rear spar. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Student pilot could have aborted the landing to avoid hard landing.

NTSB coding

• Hard landing · Landing-flare/touchdown
• Delayed Action

Evidence available

• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Operatorform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Student Pilotform
• Florida Metar Observationsother
• Florida Institute of Technology Malfunction Reportreport

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