N8056B

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28RT-201S/N: 28R-8218011

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA470
Location
Chandler, AZ
Event ID
20110928X53516
Coordinates
33.268890, -111.811111
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The certified flight instructor's and pilot-undergoing-instruction's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28R-8218011
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1981
Model / ICAO
PA-28RT-201P28T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28RT-201

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CHANDLER AIR SERVICE INC
Address
1675 E RYAN RD
City
CHANDLER
State / Zip Code
AZ 85286-1731
Country
United States

Analysis

The certified flight instructor (CFI) submitted a written statement. He was preparing the commercial pilot-undergoing-instruction (PUI) for her CFI certificate. The purpose of the flight was to work on commercial-level takeoff and landing requirements. After departing, they entered the airport traffic pattern. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, they completed the landing checklist but delayed the landing gear extension because they intended on conducting a 180-degree power off approach. On final approach as they were preparing to extend the landing gear, the air traffic control tower controller told them to conduct a go-around because the landing gear was not extended. They extended the landing gear and the CFI verified three green lights. He then requested permission to land and the tower controller cleared the airplane to land. As the airplane approached the runway, a high sink rate had developed. The CFI told the PUI to add power while simultaneously starting to move the throttle control forward. The CFI indicated that his hand slipped past the PUI's hand, and he reached again to push the throttle forward when the airplane touched down hard on the runway. They aborted the landing and after conducting a low approach to verify the position of the landing gear, they landed uneventfully. A post accident examination revealed rib damage to the left wing. The CFI reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA470