N250YAPIPER PA382016-12-23 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA38S/N: 39-79A0341

Summary

On December 23, 2016, a Piper PA38 (N250YA) was involved in an accident near Hartford, CT. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced hard landing.

The solo student pilot reported that during the initial landing, the airplane bounced. During a subsequent touchdown, the nose gear impacted the runway with a side load and the nose gear collapsed. The airplane slid to a stop in a nose down attitude on the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.

The student pilot reported there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA099. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N250YA.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, December 23, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA17CA099
Location
Hartford, CT
Event ID
20161227X70812
Coordinates
41.733333, -72.649444
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
39-79A0341
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA38PA38
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
INTERNATIONAL AVIATION LLC
Address
20 LINDBERGH DR
Status
Deregistered
City
HARTFORD
State / Zip Code
CT 06114-2132
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that during the initial landing, the airplane bounced. During a subsequent touchdown, the nose gear impacted the runway with a side load and the nose gear collapsed. The airplane slid to a stop in a nose down attitude on the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.

The student pilot reported there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA17CA099