N7971W

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA-28-180S/N: 28-2023

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 14, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA419
Location
French Valley, CA
Event ID
20120914X82649
Coordinates
33.574165, -117.128334
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 loss of directional control during a go-around following a sudden change in wind direction.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N7971W
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-2023
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1964
Model / ICAO
PA-28-180P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HUTCHINS CHAD M
Address
1385 W UNIVERSITY AVE 01-103
Status
Deregistered
City
FLAGSTAFF
State / Zip Code
AZ 86001
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane drifted across the runway centerline during the final approach, and the pilot applied corrective control input. Gusting crosswind and high temperatures were present, and as such, he continued the approach with the flaps retracted. He corrected for the wind by lowering the left wing, and applying right rudder control. During the flare, the wind direction shifted to a quartering tailwind, and the airplane veered to the right. Unable to keep the airplane over the runway, he applied full engine power and initiated a go-around. The engine responded, but the airplane did not climb as expected, and its main landing gear made contact with the vertical stabilizer of an airplane on the taxiway. The airplane subsequently settled and landed in the adjacent parking apron, where it collided with five parked airplanes. Both the accident airplane, and all five parked airplanes, sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine 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# WPR12CA419