On September 1, 2014, a PIPER PA 28-140 was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The sun glare and the pilot's subsequent loss of airplane control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While on approach, a pilot was blinded by the sun, causing the airplane to settle and impact the ground. The aircraft slid across a road and sustained substantial damage.
Incident Overview
During preparation for landing on runway 28, the pilot initially switched to runway 10 before returning to runway 28 to avoid hot air balloon and helicopter operations at the airport. On final approach to runway 28, the pilot was blinded by the sun. The pilot reported that the airplane began to settle and that he was "too low and too slow" over a cornfield.
Impact and Damage
The airplane impacted the ground between the runway and the cornfield, then slid across a road before coming to a stop. The fuselage and firewall sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.
Contributing factors
PilotEffect on operationEffect on personnelAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedAltitude — Not attained/maintained
What happened in the 1 Sept 2014 PIPER PA 28-140 accident near Plymouth, IN?
While on approach, a pilot was blinded by the sun, causing the airplane to settle and impact the ground. The aircraft slid across a road and sustained substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Sept 2014 PIPER PA 28-140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Sept 2014 involved a PIPER PA 28-140, at Plymouth, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The sun glare and the pilot's subsequent loss of airplane control.
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