N5668WPiper PA282018-11-28 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Serious

Piper PA28S/N: 28-847

Summary

On November 28, 2018, a Piper PA28 (N5668W) was involved in an accident near Casa Grande, AZ. 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 student pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath during the approach, which resulted in impact with a fence and terrain.

The solo student pilot reported that, while on final approach at night, he slowed the airplane to about 87 knots and extended 20º of flaps. He then realized his altitude was low, so he initiated a go-around, but the right main landing gear struck a fence and the airplane impacted the terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA084. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5668W.

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA19CA084
Location
Casa Grande, AZ
Event ID
20181128X93322
Coordinates
32.955001, -111.766944
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath during the approach, which resulted in impact with a fence and terrain.   

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-847
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA28P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
KOUF GREGORY A
Address
PO BOX 636
Status
Deregistered
City
ARIZONA CITY
State / Zip Code
AZ 85123-6501
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that, while on final approach at night, he slowed the airplane to about 87 knots and extended 20º of flaps. He then realized his altitude was low, so he initiated a go-around, but the right main landing gear struck a fence and the airplane impacted the terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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# GAA19CA084