PIPER PA28
Big Bear, CA — June 4, 2017
Event Information
| Date | June 4, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA354 |
| Event ID | 20170604X74546 |
| Location | Big Bear, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.26389, -116.85361 |
| Airport | BIG BEAR CITY |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA28 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing flare the airplane encountered a "sudden massive gust of wind" that pitched the nose up. He pushed the yoke forward, but the wind shifted to a tailwind and the airplane "slammed" onto the runway. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, the airplane veered right off the runway and came to rest nose down.
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.
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 4 knots. The pilot landed on runway 26.
Note: The accident airport is at an elevation of about 6752 ft., with a calculated density altitude about the time of the accident of 9211 feet.
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.