On November 15, 1992, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N7057W) operated by Paul M. Sonnenberg was involved in an aviation accident near Makoti, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT NOT MAINTAINING A PROPER GLIDEPATH DURING HIS APPROACH TO 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 crossing wires during approach to a snow-covered sod runway pitched the nose down, collided with a ditch, bounced, then added power and landed on the runway surface, sliding to a stop.
Approach
The pilot reported approaching a snow-covered sod runway at a slow speed. Wires were located approximately 150 to 200 feet from the runway's threshold.
Descent and Collision
After crossing the wires, the pilot pitched the airplane downward. The pilot stated he '...dropped the nose to get in.' Shortly after this action, the airplane collided with a ditch and bounced into the air.
Landing
Following the bounce, the pilot added power. The airplane then descended onto the runway surface and slid to a stop. The pilot provided no further details regarding the condition of the aircraft or any injuries.
What happened in the 15 Nov 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Makoti, ND?
A pilot crossing wires during approach to a snow-covered sod runway pitched the nose down, collided with a ditch, bounced, then added power and landed on the runway surface, sliding to a stop.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Nov 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7057W, operated by Paul M. Sonnenberg, at Makoti, ND.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT NOT MAINTAINING A PROPER GLIDEPATH DURING HIS APPROACH TO LANDING.
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