On February 23, 1987, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N7681W) was involved in an aviation accident near Hampton, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to arrest a rapid sink rate following a nose-down pitch during a gusting crosswind approach, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experienced a hard landing after the aircraft pitched nose down and entered a rapid sink during a gusting crosswind approach, despite maintaining normal airspeed over the threshold.
What happened
The pilot reported that gusting crosswind conditions were present during the final approach for landing. As power was reduced in preparation for touchdown, the aircraft pitched nose down and began a rapid descent. The pilot applied full back pressure on the control yoke but was unable to arrest the sink rate, resulting in a hard landing. The pilot stated that airspeed remained normal over the threshold and confirmed the aircraft did not stall.
The investigation
No mechanical examination or additional investigative findings were provided in the source material.
Findings
Gusts during the approach contributed to the flight dynamics.
Rapid pitch-down and sink rate occurred upon power reduction.
Full back pressure was applied but did not prevent the hard landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to arrest a rapid sink rate following a nose-down pitch during a gusting crosswind approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
What happened in the 23 Feb 1987 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Hampton, GA?
A pilot experienced a hard landing after the aircraft pitched nose down and entered a rapid sink during a gusting crosswind approach, despite maintaining normal airspeed over the threshold.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Feb 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7681W, at Hampton, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to arrest a rapid sink rate following a nose-down pitch during a gusting crosswind approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
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