No fatalities

14 Oct 2016: PIPER PA 28 161 — WESTMORELAND AVIATION HOLDING CO INC — Latrobe, PA

Latrobe, PA, United States

On 14 Oct 2016, a PIPER PA 28 161 operated by WESTMORELAND AVIATION HOLDING CO INC was involved in an aviation accident near Latrobe, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in the airplane’s wing striking the ground while the pilot was maneuvering to realign with the runway. 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

During a touch-and-go landing, a pilot attempted to correct from left of runway with full right rudder, resulting in right wing striking the ground and the airplane cartwheeling, separating the wing.

Incident Details

The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing. The pilot reported being on a right downwind leg and having received clearance for the touch-and-go. The tower then instructed the pilot to make a short approach.

Approach and Correction

During the approach, the airplane was positioned to the left of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct this deviation by applying right rudder. The pilot stated a belief that full right rudder was applied.

Ground Impact

Following the rudder application, the right wing impacted the ground. The airplane subsequently cartwheeled. The impact caused the right wing to separate from the fuselage.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot's Recommendation

The pilot offered a recommendation that the accident could have been prevented if a go-around had been executed.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on personnel