N8906D

Substantial
Minor

Piper PA-22-160S/N: 22-6061

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 15, 2008
NTSB Number
NYC08CA283
Location
Cleveland, GA
Event ID
20080912X01443
Coordinates
34.561668, -83.713333
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper decision to land with a tailwind, and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the tailwind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8906D
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
22-6061
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1958
Model / ICAO
PA-22-160PA22
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
CUNNINGHAM JAMES C
Address
5385 HIGHWAY 17
Status
Deregistered
City
CLARKESVILLE
State / Zip Code
GA 30523-4586
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the PA-22-160 overflew the airport in preparation for landing, and observed the windsock, which he reported was "flat." He entered the traffic pattern for runway 17 on the downwind leg, trimmed the airplane for 80 miles per hour (mph), and added one notch of flaps. Runway 17 was 2,500 feet long, 200 feet wide, and consisted of turf. The pilot maintained 70 mph on final approach, and as the airplane touched down on the runway, he immediately applied the brakes and the airplane began to skid. As the airplane approached a fence at the end of the runway, the pilot steered the airplane off the right side. During the turn, the nose gear collapsed, the airplane ground looped, and then flipped over. The pilot reported 264 total hours of flight experience, 123 of which were in the accident airplane make and model. He also reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. According to both of the passengers, the pilot landed "too fast" and with a tailwind. The winds reported at the nearest airport, 19 miles to the south, were from 260 degrees at 11 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# NYC08CA283