30 Jan 2010: PIPER PA-28-235 — Earl R. Griffin

30 Jan 2010: PIPER PA-28-235 — Earl R. Griffin

No fatalities • Crystal, NV, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ground vehicle during a low-altitude maneuver.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport and descending for landing, when he saw his friends' car on the dirt road below him. He decided to make a 180-degree turn, and rolled out facing the car. The pilot stated that it looked like he was going to be low so he started a recovery from the descent. The closure rate was too fast and the left main landing gear of the airplane struck the vehicle. The pilot reported that he continued the climb to about 200 feet and made another turn to check on his friend. The pilot subsequently made a forced landing on the road. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted the top of the berm next to the road. During the collision with the vehicle, the left main landing gear had been sheared off.

Contributing factors

  • cause Altitude — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Response/compensation
  • Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 140/07kt, vis 10sm

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