N348TF

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28-181S/N: 28-7790598

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, August 19, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA10CA441
Location
Oakland, MD
Event ID
20100825X22300
Coordinates
39.575279, -79.334724
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 improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N348TF
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-7790598
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
PA-28-181P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WASSER NATHAN H
Address
12 LAKEWOOD CT
Status
Deregistered
City
RIDGELEY
State / Zip Code
WV 26753-9727
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he was established on final approach to runway 27, with winds reported from 310 degrees true at 5 knots. He reduced power to maintain a 500 fpm descent rate. As the airplane slowed to 110 knots, the pilot lowered one notch of flaps. He realized he was high on approach, so he lowered the nose and increased the descent rate to 700 fpm. He then lowered two more notches of flaps, and the airplane continued to slow down. Over the runway threshold, the pilot began to flare and heard the stall warning horn. He misjudged his height above the runway and did not add power in the flare as the stall warning continued. He flared about 15 feet above the runway, the airplane landed hard, and the initial touchdown "...forced the main gears up through the wings..." The airplane then bounced twice and skidded off the left side of the runway and down an embankment. An FAA inspector reported that the left wing and the landing gear broke off during the event. The pilot reported that there were no pre-existing mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA441