PIPER PA23
Fremont, OH — May 9, 2017
Event Information
| Date | May 9, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA282 |
| Event ID | 20170511X64152 |
| Location | Fremont, OH |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.33445, -83.16472 |
| Airport | FREMONT |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA23 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate glidepath during approach, which resulted in an impact with a semi-truck.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during approach in visual meteorological conditions he referenced the RNAV instrument approach for the runway to assist with vertical guidance "as [there] is no VASI (visual approach slope indicator)" for that runway. He added that he thought he was high enough as he crossed the adjacent highway, but the airplane hit a semi-truck that was traveling across the airplane's flight path. The airplane continued on short approach, landed, and the main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the left off the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right engine firewalls, and nacelle tanks.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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.