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Hard landing injures three

By NTSB · April 2, 2013 ·

Aircraft: Piper Cherokee. Injuries: 3 Serious. Location: Ridgely, Maryland. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: A CFI and two commercial pilots departed on a training flight to practice maneuvers in preparation for the commercial pilots’ CFI practical tests. The pilot receiving instruction entered the traffic pattern and configured the plane to perform a power-off approach and landing. While on final approach, the airspeed deteriorated and the airplane began to sink. The pilot applied full engine power to initiate a go-around, but the plane continued to sink and hit the ground short of the runway. The nearest weather facility reported about a 70° left crosswind at 22 knots, gusting to 27 knots.

Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind during landing and delay in executing a go-around, which resulted in a loss of airspeed, low final approach, and subsequent collision with the ground short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate surveillance and remedial action.

NTSB Identification: ERA11LA229

This April 2011 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. Ivan H. Manoogian says

    April 3, 2013 at 7:20 am

    That’s why ,it is a good practise to do some Glider Flights with a good Glider CFI.
    even the CFI must have done it ,I recommend .
    Good Luck next time.

  2. AL Brancifort says

    April 3, 2013 at 6:46 am

    Anyone who really understands a low wing older piper know they need to fly with power to the runway or….they fall from the sky like a rock…. My instructor pointed that out ot me on my first flught on an older piper add a stiff crosswind without proper height ( be high be safe) too bad for these guys three brains and not one working well. Weight may also have been a factor ………

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