N388JP

Substantial
None

Diamond DA 40S/N: 40.388

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 13, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA409
Location
Denver, CO
Event ID
20190715X02154
Coordinates
39.904998, -105.114166
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 receiving instruction's failure to maintain the runway heading and bank control during landing in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a go-around and subsequent collision with a runway light.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N388JP
Make
DIAMOND
Serial Number
40.388
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
DA 40DA40
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

The pilot receiving instruction reported that, during landing in windy conditions, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway centerline. He applied right rudder and aileron to correct, but when "it became apparent the aircraft was going to drift to [the] left of runway", he initiated a go around. The flight instructor reported that the airplane had touched down momentarily and that he heard a "thump." The pilot then added power and made "several corrections" to maintain runway heading and established a climb. The instructor reported to the tower controller that the airplane may have struck a runway edge light. The pilot landed the airplane and taxied to the ramp without further incident.

A postaccident examination found white paint transfer marks on the runway leading to a runway light and that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both the left and right ailerons. The pilot added that airport personnel informed him that a runway light was damaged and would require replacement.

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

The flight instructor reported that the wind was from 350° at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 3 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 340° at 13 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 30.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA409