Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB CEN11LA093

PIPER PA-28-140 — Ponca City, OK

1 fatal Low-time pilot
DateDecember 4, 2010
LocationPonca City, OK
AircraftPIPER PA-28-140
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceUncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot age30
Pilot total time133 hrs · Low time
Time in type40 hrs
Fatalities1, 1 serious

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during landing for undetermined reasons.

NTSB findings

  • Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-High wind-Effect on equipment
  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

What happened

A witness reported that the airplane rolled inverted on final approach and then impacted the ground. A postaccident examination of the accident site and airplane revealed the airplane bounced several times during landing and the left wing struck the ground, separating it from the fuselage. The airplane became inverted, skidded across the grass median and taxiway, and collided with a chain link fence. Recorded wind at the time of the accident were aligned with the runway heading at 12 knots, gusting to 21 knots.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →