N44078

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28-151S/N: 28-7415577

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, October 28, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA11CA040
Location
Julian, NC
Event ID
20101029X90146
Coordinates
35.922500, -79.623054
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 attain the proper touchdown point.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N44078
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-7415577
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
PA-28-151P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
934D BAKER LN
Status
Deregistered
City
WINCHESTER
State / Zip Code
VA 22603-5724
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he departed on the personal flight for the purpose of having an annual inspection performed on his airplane at the destination airport. While approaching the airport, he observed the windsock indicating the wind was from the south, and he planned to land on runway 23. The pilot stated that he planned his approach to clear the fence at the end of the runway and still have enough room to stop on the 1,400-foot grass runway. He also stated that he knew that the terrain sloped upwards from the fence to the runway threshold, and that he "was aiming for the crest of the hill." As the airplane approached the runway, the pilot first added power to compensate for a "fast rate of decent," then reduced power when he felt he had the runway made. However, "the rise was greater than I thought, and the airspeed was lower than I thought." The airplane touched down about half way up the slope, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest at the top of the slope. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the firewall was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA040