PIPER PA 28-161

Pensacola, FL — April 15, 2018

Event Information

DateApril 15, 2018
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA18CA218
Event ID20180416X32016
LocationPensacola, FL
CountryUSA
Coordinates30.39833, -87.34889
AirportFERGUSON
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePIPER
ModelPA 28-161
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control and long landing in gusting wind conditions due to his shoe getting stuck on the brakes. 

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he landed with a left crosswind, and about the final 1/3 of the 3,200ft runway remaining. He reported that his ground speed was too fast and after his initial brake application, he increased brake pressure and his right shoe became "stuck between the right pedal and the toe brake." The airplane veered to the right and exited the right side of the runway, striking a runway light before it collided with a creek where it came to rest.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.

Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section, the pilot asserted that the accident could have been prevented if he had aborted the landing earlier, or by diverting to an airport with more favorable wind conditions.

According to the METAR located 3 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 310° at 12 knots and gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36.

According to the Manufacturer's Pilot Operating Handbook, the performance landing chart states that the airplane required a minimum ground roll of 560ft.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.

All Aviation Events More in FL