N8115Y

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 28-161S/N: 28-8016123

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, April 15, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA218
Location
Pensacola, FL
Event ID
20180416X32016
Coordinates
30.398332, -87.348892
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s loss of directional control and long landing in gusting wind conditions due to his shoe getting stuck on the brakes. 

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8115Y
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-8016123
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
PA 28-161M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WRONG BROS AVIATOR TRAINING SCHOOL LLC
Address
9750 AILERON AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
PENSACOLA
State / Zip Code
FL 32506-9512
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he landed with a left crosswind, and about the final 1/3 of the 3,200ft runway remaining. He reported that his ground speed was too fast and after his initial brake application, he increased brake pressure and his right shoe became "stuck between the right pedal and the toe brake." The airplane veered to the right and exited the right side of the runway, striking a runway light before it collided with a creek where it came to rest.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.

Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section, the pilot asserted that the accident could have been prevented if he had aborted the landing earlier, or by diverting to an airport with more favorable wind conditions.

According to the METAR located 3 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 310° at 12 knots and gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36.

According to the Manufacturer's Pilot Operating Handbook, the performance landing chart states that the airplane required a minimum ground roll of 560ft.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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# GAA18CA218