PIPER PA28
Merritt Island, FL — May 11, 2018
Event Information
| Date | May 11, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA292 |
| Event ID | 20180523X24207 |
| Location | Merritt Island, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.34250, -80.68889 |
| Airport | MERRITT ISLAND |
| 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 | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that, during a solo flight, while landing, she encountered a gust of wind that "tilted" the airplane to the right. She attempted to maintain centerline, but the left main landing gear touched down hard. She then taxied to park without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The student 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 located about 8 miles to the southeast of the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 3 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 11.
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.