N1237H

Substantial
None

Piper PA-28-140S/N: 28-7725137

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, September 9, 2007
NTSB Number
LAX07CA271
Location
Santa Paula, CA
Event ID
20071001X01486
Coordinates
34.346942, -119.061111
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate recovery from the bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-7725137
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
PA-28-140P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28-140

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GIVENS TIMOTHY A
Address
996 HEATHER LAKE DR
City
COLLIERVILLE
State / Zip Code
TN 38017-8103
Country
United States

Analysis

In a written report, the pilot stated that while en route, he noticed his GPS was inoperative and decided to divert to a nearby airport. As he approached the vicinity of the airport, he noted that other traffic was utilizing runway 22, and accordingly entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. While on the approach, the pilot could discern that the airplane was excessively high and at a faster-than-normal airspeed, which he believed was a result of his decision to make a short downwind leg. The airplane landed hard and bounced twice, veering off the runway surface. It continued forward and collided with a fence, coming to rest upright on a dirt berm.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the damage to a wing that would require a major repair.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX07CA271