Summary
On November 17, 2018, a Piper PA32R (N4137W) was involved in an incident near Versailles, OH. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in landing on the landing gear first and a subsequent loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and impact with a tree and a fence during an attempted go-around.
The owner of the airplane reported that he hired the accident pilot to fly him to the destination airport. During the initial approach, they were not able to see the airport environment due to the haze, but both were able to see the ground. The pilot continued to use the GPS for navigation and once they were above the airport, they were able to see the runway. The pilot then made a 180º turn to align for a final approach to runway 27; however, the approach was not stabilized so the pilot initiated a go-around. After the climb out, he turned 180º for a final approach to runway 09. The airplane touched down nose landing gear first, then immediately veered left and exited the runway.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA069. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4137W.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in landing on the landing gear first and a subsequent loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and impact with a tree and a fence during an attempted go-around.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The owner of the airplane reported that he hired the accident pilot to fly him to the destination airport. During the initial approach, they were not able to see the airport environment due to the haze, but both were able to see the ground. The pilot continued to use the GPS for navigation and once they were above the airport, they were able to see the runway. The pilot then made a 180º turn to align for a final approach to runway 27; however, the approach was not stabilized so the pilot initiated a go-around. After the climb out, he turned 180º for a final approach to runway 09. The airplane touched down nose landing gear first, then immediately veered left and exited the runway. The pilot attempted another go-around, but the airplane struck a tree and impacted the airport perimeter fence.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The owner reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA19CA069