N2468A

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-22-135S/N: 22-805

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 2, 2008
NTSB Number
WPR09CA031
Location
San Manuel, AZ
Event ID
20081103X30231
Coordinates
32.636390, -110.654724
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral aircraft control that resulted in collision with terrain during landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2468A
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
22-805
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1952
Model / ICAO
PA-22-135PA22
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
REGISTRATION PENDING
Address
451 W HALF MOON WAY
Status
Deregistered
City
CHANDLER
State / Zip Code
AZ 85225-9556
Country
United States

Analysis

In a written statement, the pilot reported that as the airplane was about 3 miles from the destination airport, he configured for landing by adding full flaps. He opted to perform a soft-field landing for the purpose of practice and began managing the descent with the throttle control. As the airplane transitioned to short final, it was configured in a nose-high stabilized approach. With the airplane 150 feet from the runway threshold, the pilot added right rudder in attempt to gain visibility out the window straight ahead. As the airplane was 20 to 30 feet above ground level (agl) and 100 feet from the threshold, the pilot applied power to arrest the descent. The increase in power, in combination with the rudder input, resulted in the airplane's left wing contacting the ground.

In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the application of rudder while adding full power created enough instability to drop the wing. The pilot further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA031