Accident Details
Date
Saturday, September 3, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA425
Location
Gerlach, NV
Event ID
20110903X50008
Coordinates
40.586387, -119.596664
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s decision to land at an unknown off-airport location.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N7303W
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-1159
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
3591 RICKENBACKER ST
Status
Deregistered
City
BOISE
State / Zip Code
ID 83705-5017
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot stated that he was flying the airplane over a large open desert playa. He decided to land after flying low over the surface to determine if he could make a safe landing. The surface appeared to be flat and dry. Upon touching down, the landing gear dug into the about 8-inch deep soft tufa. The airplane cartwheeled resulting in separation of the left wing and bending and wrinkling the left horizontal stabilizer. The left side of the fuselage, the engine mount, and the firewall were also bent and wrinkled.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA425