No fatalities

7 May 2017: PIPER PA28R 200 — Frankfort, KY

Frankfort, KY, United States

On 7 May 2017, a PIPER PA28R 200 was involved in an aviation accident near Frankfort, KY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions. 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 landing flare, the pilot felt a sudden push from behind. Despite applying power, the airplane descended rapidly, landed hard, bounced, veered left, and impacted a small hill. Substantial left wing damage. No preaccident mechanical issues.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, during the landing flare, it felt like something pushed the airplane hard from behind. The pilot applied power, but the airplane continued in a rapid descent. The airplane subsequently landed hard, bounced, and veered to the left upon the second touchdown. The pilot added full power and right rudder to recover, but the airplane exited the runway to the left and impacted a small hill.

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

Pilot Report

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

Weather Conditions

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that about the time of the accident the wind was 310° at 12 knots, gusting 19 knots. The airplane landed on runway 25.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation