PIPER PA 28-180
Novato, CA — June 28, 2015
Event Information
| Date | June 28, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA149 |
| Event ID | 20150630X34507 |
| Location | Novato, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.14361, -122.55611 |
| Airport | NOVATO |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 28-180 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper pitch control which resulted in a bounced landing, runway excursion, and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing the airplane bounced several times while attempting to compensate for a right quartering crosswind. The pilot stated that he believed the landing gear had failed as a result of the hard landing and, "intentionally guided the plane off the runway into the grass, in fear of an explosion." As a result of the runway excursion, the airplane impacted a ditch and sustained substantial damage as the left wing separated from the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to or during flight that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.