On November 28, 2018, a Piper PA28 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Casa Grande, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath during the approach, which resulted in impact with a fence and terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo student pilot executed a go-around after realizing low altitude on final approach, but the right main landing gear struck a fence, leading to terrain impact. The left wing sustained substantial damage.
Accident Details
During a solo training flight at night, the student pilot was on final approach. He reduced the airplane's speed to about 87 knots and extended the flaps to 20 degrees. Recognizing that his altitude was too low, he initiated a go-around. However, during the go-around, the right main landing gear struck a fence, and the airplane subsequently impacted the terrain.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot
What happened in the 28 Nov 2018 Piper PA28 180 accident near Casa Grande, AZ?
A solo student pilot executed a go-around after realizing low altitude on final approach, but the right main landing gear struck a fence, leading to terrain impact. The left wing sustained substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Nov 2018 Piper PA28 180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Nov 2018 involved a Piper PA28 180, at Casa Grande, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath during the approach, which resulted in impact with a fence and terrain.
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