Accident Details
On April 3, 2022, at approximately 1755 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9119W, was substantially damaged when it collided with a building after departing the runway at a private airport near Calhan, Colorado. The pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal trip.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that before departure, he texted his girlfriend, who was waiting at the destination, asking about wind conditions. She replied with a photograph of a rag in her hand that was not moving, leading the pilot to believe the wind was calm. Upon arrival, the reported wind was from 220° at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Approaching runway 15, the pilot opted for a faster approach speed to facilitate a quicker go-around if necessary. During landing, a gust of wind pushed the airplane off the runway toward a hangar. The pilot noted that he struck ground signs but attempted a go-around; however, he could not avoid the hangar and impacted it with the left wing. He later said he was unable to maintain control of the airplane during the landing and go-around attempt.
Video Evidence
Video surveillance captured the airplane crossing the runway threshold and staying airborne past the first taxiway. It appeared to touchdown near the second taxiway, then bounced. The aircraft exited the left side of the runway into a ditch, where the landing gear hit a sign. The airplane then pitched up, consistent with an attempted go-around, and collided with a building.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the left wing had separated from the airplane, consistent with impact forces. The aileron cable exhibited a broomstraw or frayed appearance indicative of overload separation. The fuselage and right wing were impact-damaged, preventing movement of the remaining flight controls.