Piper PA-20
Fields, OR — May 25, 2008
Event Information
| Date | May 25, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | SEA08CA141 |
| Event ID | 20080611X00833 |
| Location | Fields, OR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.33333, -118.33334 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA-20 |
| 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 failure to maintain aircraft control during the approach. Contributing to the accident was a windshear.
Full Narrative
The private pilot reported that on final approach to the unimproved landing site, at about 50 feet above ground level, he detected a "sinking feeling," followed by a "drastic" loss of airspeed. The pilot stated that he applied full throttle in an attempt to go around, but the sinking continued and the airplane "pancaked" onto the ground. The pilot reported that he had not encountered any turbulence during the flight, but there were [rain] showers within approximately 10 miles of the landing site. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident. The airplane received substantial damage to both main landing gear and the fuselage.
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.