On March 20, 2002, a Piper PA28R-200 (registration N5060T) was involved in an aviation accident near Redlands, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to compensate for the wind condtions when he encountered an updraft followed by a downdraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
On the fifth landing, a pilot encountered an updraft and downdraft sequence, resulting in a hard touchdown that damaged a wing rib. The aircraft completed two more landings before returning to Palm Springs.
Accident Sequence
The airplane experienced a hard landing that resulted in damage to a wing rib. The incident occurred while the pilot was practicing for a certified flight instructor (CFI) check ride. During the fifth landing, about 15 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot encountered a strong updraft and responded by pulling power. This was immediately followed by a downdraft, and the airplane touched down hard on the right main landing gear.
After the hard landing, the pilot completed two additional landings and then returned to Palm Springs. A follow-up maintenance examination later discovered damage to a wing rib.
Investigation Findings
The Safety Board was informed of the accident on April 8, 2002. No other details about the aircraft, location, or personnel were disclosed in the initial report. The investigation confirmed the hard landing and subsequent wing rib damage.