N9083W

Substantial
Serious

PIPER PA-28-235S/N: 28-10686

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, January 30, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA124
Location
Crystal, NV
Event ID
20100131X55354
Coordinates
36.302776, -116.008331
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ground vehicle during a low-altitude maneuver.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9083W
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-10686
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1965
Model / ICAO
PA-28-235P28B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
REGISTRATION PENDING
Address
PO BOX 138
Status
Deregistered
City
MINA
State / Zip Code
NV 89422-0138
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport and descending for landing, when he saw his friends' car on the dirt road below him. He decided to make a 180-degree turn, and rolled out facing the car. The pilot stated that it looked like he was going to be low so he started a recovery from the descent. The closure rate was too fast and the left main landing gear of the airplane struck the vehicle. The pilot reported that he continued the climb to about 200 feet and made another turn to check on his friend. The pilot subsequently made a forced landing on the road. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted the top of the berm next to the road. During the collision with the vehicle, the left main landing gear had been sheared off.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA124