N158ND

Substantial
None

PIPER PA28S/N: 2842030

Accident Details

Date
Friday, March 2, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA204
Location
Vero Beach, FL
Event ID
20180304X40258
Coordinates
27.653888, -80.422775
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach, which resulted in overcorrection with the rudder during the landing, loss of control, and a runway excursion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
2842030
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1998
Model / ICAO
PA28P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28-161

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SKYBORNE AIRLINE ACADEMY INC
Address
2805 AIRPORT DR
City
VERO BEACH
State / Zip Code
FL 32960-1942
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that, during approach, he was above the glide slope after adding full flaps, so he lowered the nose to lose altitude. He added that he "brought a little more speed than intended" into ground effect and the airplane yawed to the left. He over corrected to the right. The airplane touched down to the right of the runway centerline with the nose pointed 45° to the left. The student attempted to maintain directional control, but the airplane exited the runway to the right and the right wing struck a runway sign. The student pilot taxied back onto the runway and to the parking ramp without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The Chief Flight Instructor of the flight school reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 360° at 6 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 030° at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The airplane landed on runway 04.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA204