Friday, December 31, 2021

Collision with Object (non-CFIT): Piper PA-28-150 Cherokee, N5853W; accident occurred June 12, 2021 at Covey Trails Airport (X09), Fulshear, Fort Bend County, Texas




Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Location: Fulshear, Texas
Accident Number: CEN21LA282
Date and Time: June 12, 2021, 08:50 Local 
Registration: N5853W
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-150 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot reported that while on approach to land, he allowed the airplane to get too low and struck a fence before the approach end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during the landing approach, which led to an impact with a fence.

Findings

Aircraft Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot
Environmental issues Fence/fence post - Not specified

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private 
Age: 80, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None 
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: BasicMed 
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 1587 hours (Total, all aircraft), 421 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N5853W
Model/Series: PA-28-150 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 28-2322
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown 
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: 
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner:
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KTME,168 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 09:55 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 335°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 9 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:  /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  /
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 25°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Fulshear, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fulshear, TX
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: COVEY TRAILS X09 
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 130 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 17/35
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3352 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full stop; Traffic pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 29.690083,-95.840474

2 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. At 81 yrs old with this accident, I hope the pilot is too. There comes a time when a cowboy has to hang up the spurs, and for a pilot to surrender the wings.

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