N8581W

Substantial
None

Piper PA28-235S/N: 28-10093

Accident Details

Date
Monday, May 7, 2007
NTSB Number
SEA07CA123
Location
San Jose, CA
Event ID
20070617X00753
Coordinates
37.330001, -121.686386
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

Wind shear encounter during approach for landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8581W
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-10093
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1963
Model / ICAO
PA28-235P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
ILLES GREG
Address
23446 SUNSET DR
Status
Deregistered
City
LOS GATOS
State / Zip Code
CA 95033-9206
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while on short final to runway 31R, approximately 30 feet above ground level (agl), he encountered a "lurching, slamming sensation and the aircraft lunged toward the ground." The pilot stated he applied "full" power, however the airplane continued to descend and struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the landing gear and wing.

The pilot reported that he encountered "severe low-level wind shear" while on final approach. He estimated an airspeed loss of 15-20 knots at 30 feet agl.

The pilot reported that the winds were from 300 degrees (magnetic) at 15 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA07CA123