On July 18, 2009, a PIPER PA28 140 operated by Carl E. Cook was involved in an aviation accident near Malvern, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach to landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that during landing, after selecting full flaps, airspeed dropped from 80 to 60 knots and sink rate increased. Despite applying full power, the airplane landed short of the runway, sustaining substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A pilot provided a statement describing an accident that occurred during a landing approach. The approach was initially routine, with two notches of flaps deployed and airspeed steady at 80 knots. The pilot noticed the airplane appeared to be landing long, so he selected the last notch of flaps. Immediately after that, the airspeed decayed to 60 knots and the airplane developed a high sink rate. The pilot applied full power but could not arrest the descent. The airplane impacted terrain approximately ten feet short of the runway threshold.
Damage and Inspection
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Examination revealed that the left wing was fractured and mostly separated from the airframe just outboard of the fuselage. The left main landing gear and nose gear had collapsed, and the propeller was bent. The pilot stated that the weather was clear with no wind, and there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Inspector confirmed no mechanical anomalies.
Contributing factors
Airspeed — Not attained/maintainedDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot
10 Dec 2025 — PIPER PA28 181 (Ameriflyers OF Texas INC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Jul 2009 PIPER PA28 140 accident near Malvern, AR?
A pilot reported that during landing, after selecting full flaps, airspeed dropped from 80 to 60 knots and sink rate increased. Despite applying full power, the airplane landed short of the runway, sustaining substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jul 2009 PIPER PA28 140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jul 2009 involved a PIPER PA28 140, operated by Carl E. Cook, at Malvern, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach to landing.
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