N5540A

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-20S/N: 20-982

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, September 27, 2009
NTSB Number
ANC09CA107
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Event ID
20090928X20418
Coordinates
63.966667, -147.250000
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's decision to attempt an off-airport landing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N5540A
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
20-982
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-20PA20
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
RICE WESLEY R
Address
2752 GOLDHILL RD
Status
Deregistered
City
FAIRBANKS
State / Zip Code
AK 99709-2319
Country
United States

Analysis

The student pilot reported to the NTSB investigator in charge during a telephone conversation on September 28, 2009, that he was attempting to land at the short and rough off-airport site in his personal tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. He said during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a dip in the surface, and he lost directional control, with the airplane veering to the right, off the airstrip, and nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and its associated lift struts. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. FAA medical records indicate he had approximately 14 hours total flight experience as of June 10, 2009. The student pilot did not complete an NTSB accident report form as requested.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC09CA107