No fatalities

26 Aug 2015: PIPER PA 28-180 180 — Susanville, CA

Susanville, CA, United States

On 26 Aug 2015, a PIPER PA 28-180 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Susanville, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed control during the landing in gusty wind conditions, resulting in an abnormal runway contact, and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that while approaching a destination airport in gusty winds, the airspeed dropped suddenly, and during a go-around attempt, the left wing lifted, causing the aircraft to impact the ground and cartwheel.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported an accident that occurred during an approach to a destination airport. The pilot had received wind information indicating the wind was from 180 degrees magnetic at 19 to 22 knots, gusting 25 to 28 knots. To compensate for the gusts, the pilot added 5 knots to the normal approach speed of 70 knots.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, while approximately 20 feet above the ground, the airspeed suddenly dropped to 60 knots. The pilot then applied full power in an attempt to execute a go-around. During this maneuver, the left wing abruptly lifted, and the pilot stated that all remaining altitude was quickly lost. Subsequently, the airplane's right wing struck the ground, and the aircraft cartwheeled.

Post-Accident Information

The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

Contributing factors

PilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedResponse/compensation