Summary
On October 14, 2016, a Piper PA 28 (N9097U) was involved in an accident near Latrobe, PA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: 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.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA026. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9097U.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Historical)
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