N9231P

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-24-260BS/N: 24-4729

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 8, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA10CA265
Location
Carrollton, GA
Event ID
20100514X20928
Coordinates
33.631668, -85.152221
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper touchdown point during landing. Contributing to the accident was the certificated flight instructor's lack of remedial action.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
24-4729
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1967
Model / ICAO
PA-24-260BPA24
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-24-260

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SEATON FLYING SERVICES INC
Address
PO BOX 271
City
SALADO
State / Zip Code
TX 76571-0271
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot had just purchased a one-third share in the airplane, and was receiving a "checkout" with a certified flight instructor for insurance purposes. While practicing a landing on runway 35 with a simulated engine failure, the airplane landed 88 feet short of the runway pavement. As the airplane proceeded forward, the nose wheel struck the runway edge, collapsing the nose gear. The pilot initiated a go-around and on the second landing attempt, with no nose wheel, the airplane skidded to a stop, substantially damaging the engine firewall. The pilot reported there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. According to the pilot, "it is likely; the damage to the aircraft was sustained during the simulated engine out landing as the landing gear crossed the edge of the runway pavement. A decision to execute our go around once we knew our simulated engine out landing was assured would have been advisable. Also, aiming for a landing point further down the runway as opposed to the end of the runway would have prevented this accident. Although I have logged a considerable amount of flying hours, the greatest majority of it has been in a Cessna 210 and other high wing aircraft where it is visually easy to see the main gear and runway. My lack of low wing aircraft time and visual landing perspective in these aircraft are most likely a factor as well."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA265