N5230W

On July 21, 1999, at 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-160 single-engine airplane, N5230W, was substantially damaged when it struck a fence while landing at the Luscombe Acres Airport near Alvaredo, Texas. The student pilot and an FAA designated examiner were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 evaluation flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed from Luscombe Acres Airport approximately 1040.

The student was taking his check ride to obtain his private pilot certificate. The student was attempting to perform a short-field landing. During the approach, the aircraft impacted a fence and fence posts. According to a written statement provided to the FAA, the pilot stated that he allowed the aircraft to get "too shallow." He further stated that he "applied power to correct altitude and thought [he] had it under control, so [he] took power out, and [the] aircraft fell short."

According to the FAA inspector, who examined the airplane, damage included a 2-inch wide by 12-inch long gash in the right wing, a punctured left fuel tank, and dents in the horizontal stabilizer and flaps.