N8307R

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA 28-140S/N: 28-22176

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 1, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA481
Location
Plymouth, IN
Event ID
20140904X54306
Coordinates
41.415000, -86.300003
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The sun glare and the pilot's subsequent loss of airplane control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-22176
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1966
Model / ICAO
PA 28-140M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28-140

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
KLINGERMAN CHESTER E JR
Address
8364 E 7TH ROAD
City
PLYMOUTH
State / Zip Code
IN 46563
Country
United States

Analysis

While preparing to land on runway 28, the pilot switched to runway 10, but then switched back to runway 28 to avoid hot air balloon and helicopter operations at the airport. While on final approach to runway 28, the pilot was blinded by the sun. The pilot stated that the airplane started to settle and he was "too low and too slow" over the cornfield. The airplane impacted the ground between the runway and the cornfield and slid across a road before coming to a stop. The fuselage and firewall were substantially damaged. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane 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# CEN14CA481