PIPER PA-32R-300
Manteo, NC — January 13, 2009
Event Information
| Date | January 13, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA134 |
| Event ID | 20090114X90006 |
| Location | Manteo, NC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.91195, -75.69195 |
| Airport | Dare County Regional Airport |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-32R-300 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to follow the missed approach procedure while landing with a low ceiling.
Full Narrative
During a GPS approach at his destination airport, the pilot of a Piper PA-32R-300 was unable to "see the runway" at the missed approach point and then suddenly, the "runway was right there." The pilot however, had just retracted the landing gear to "go miss," so he decided to circle to land. He lined up with the runway but "got too low," and struck trees. The airplane came to rest on the porch roof of a residence. Post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the wings, fuselage, and empennage had sustained substantial damage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were discovered. The airport elevation was 14 feet above sea level (msl). The required ceiling for a straight in approach was 440 feet msl. The required ceiling for a circling approach was 600 feet msl. The ceiling at the time of the accident was 300 feet above ground level.
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.