PIPER PA-28-161
Garberville, CA — August 12, 2010
Event Information
| Date | August 12, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR10CA372 |
| Event ID | 20100729X15222 |
| Location | Garberville, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.08472, -123.80861 |
| Airport | Garberville Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-161 |
| 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 improper airspeed, misjudged approach, and failure to attain the proper touchdown point. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of familiarity with the airport.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while on the base leg of the traffic pattern his view of the unfamiliar airport, located in a mountain valley, was inhibited due to a hill. As the airport came into view the pilot realized he was too high and he initiated a descent with reduced power and full flaps. The airplane approached the runway with higher than normal airspeed and by the time the airplane touched down; there was not enough runway to stop. The airplane exited the end of the runway and proceeded into a ditch, substantially damaging the firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident. The pilot further stated the accident could have been prevented by familiarizing himself with the airport.
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.