Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A hard landing due to the pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate. Factors include gusts and turbulence.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On December 19, 1998, at 1650 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-34, CGHFD, sustained substantial damage during landing on runway 34 at Bellingham, Washington. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, however winds were at 30 knots, gusting to 41 knots. There was no fire, and no report of an ELT actuating.
The pilot stated to FAA inspectors that the aircraft encountered severe low-level wind shear on arrival and landed sideways. In a written statement, he noted that he "was on approach to the runway and about 30' to 50' above ground when he encountered a wind shear downdraft of major proportions, so severe that all loose things in the cockpit flew up to the ceiling...." The pilot believed that he must have been crabbing and the side forces at the time of the landing broke the right main landing gear above the wheel/axle casting. The airplane sustained buckling of the right wing and buckling at the rear of the cabin.
Bellingham ATC tower controllers noted that they observed the airplane make a very hard landing.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA99LA023