N9097U

Substantial
Serious

PIPER PA 28S/N: 28-8616022

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 14, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA17CA026
Location
Latrobe, PA
Event ID
20161017X64917
Coordinates
40.273056, -79.410278
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in the airplane’s wing striking the ground while the pilot was maneuvering to realign with the runway.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9097U
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-8616022
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1985
Model / ICAO
PA 28M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WESTMORELAND AVIATION HOLDING CO INC
Address
4996 CHERRY DR
Status
Deregistered
City
MURRYSVILLE
State / Zip Code
PA 15668-1505
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while on right downwind and after being cleared for a touch-and-go landing, the tower instructed him to make a short approach. The pilot further reported that during approach the airplane was to the left of the runway, he attempted to correct to the right, and "believe ['s] that I[he] had applied full right rudder." Subsequently the right wing impacted the ground and the airplane cart-wheeled. The right wing separated from the fuselage.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported as a safety recommendation that the accident could have been prevented if he had executed a go-around.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA026