This June 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Twin Comanche.
Location: Highgate, Vt.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was on final approach for landing when he allowed the airplane to get slow. The airplane stalled less than 10 feet above the runway. The airplane dropped, hit the runway, and went off the left side. The right wing hit the ground, the landing gear broke off and the airplane cartwheeled, sliding 75 feet before coming to a stop.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed on approach, resulting in a stall and subsequent impact with terrain.
