These October 2009 accident reports are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, they are intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Archer. Injuries:1 Fatal, 3 Minor. Location: Oliver Springs, Tenn. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on a wet turf runway. The airplane touched down and bounced back into the air.
The airplane touched down again and turned about 45° to the left, skidding toward the woods. The airplane went through a fence, then smashed into a tree; the left side of the cockpit where the pilot was sitting taking the force of the impact.
Probable cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control while landing on a wet turf runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a tree.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA10FA020
