On January 13, 1992, a Piper PA-46-350P (registration N9161K) operated by Jurgen Arnemann was involved in an aviation accident near Bowling Green, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S PREMATURE FLARE, STALLING THE AIRPLANE WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DUAL FUEL FLOW GAUGE FAILURES AND DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb out, a dual fuel flow gauge failed. The pilot returned for a precautionary landing but prematurely flared, causing a stall and a 30-foot drop to the runway. The failure could not be replicated.
Incident Summary
During initial climb out from Warren County Airport while operating under an IFR clearance, the airplane experienced a dual fuel flow gauge failure. The pilot elected to return to the airport for a precautionary landing. According to the pilot, he received a special VOR clearance directing him to the VOR and to runway 030, and he proceeded accordingly. The pilot stated that during the landing approach, he prematurely flared the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a descent of approximately 30 feet onto the runway.
Investigation
Following the accident, investigators attempted to duplicate the dual fuel flow gauge failure but were unable to replicate it. No additional contributing factors were identified in the investigation.