Casualties unknown

2007-06-29: Piper PA 28R-180 (N4KE) — Eusebio Preciado — Henderson, NV

Henderson, NV, US

On June 29, 2007, a Piper PA 28R-180 (registration N4KE) operated by Eusebio Preciado was involved in an aviation accident near Henderson, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the attempted go-around, which resulted in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting to land on runway 17R experienced crosswinds, a bounced landing, and a go-around that ended with a gust pushing the airplane down, resulting in a skid and substantial damage to wings and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during final approach to runway 17R, the wind was pushing the airplane to the left of the runway. The pilot continued to the runway, maintaining the centerline, and contacted the air traffic control tower to verify the winds. The controller indicated that the winds were stronger than those reported by the automated surface observation system (ASOS).

Approach and Landing

The pilot increased power to compensate for the winds. The main landing gear touched down left of the centerline, and the airplane bounced. Subsequently, the pilot informed the controller that he was initiating a go-around. As the airplane began to lift, the pilot felt a gust of wind push the airplane downward. Just prior to ground impact, the pilot attempted to flare the airplane.

Aftermath

The airplane skidded before coming to a stop. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The ASO at the time reported winds from 240 degrees at 12 knots. Winds recorded by the tower at the time of the accident were from 220 degrees at 15 knots. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070723X01001. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.