# NTSB GAA16CA106: Piper PA 28RT-201, N2119N, Terrell, TX, January 19, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: January 19, 2016, 11:15 local (17:15 UTC) - Place: Terrell, TX - Coordinates: 32.815555, -96.355003 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8156&lon=-96.3550&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 5, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: North Texas FSDO (FAA) - NTSB case key (mKey): 92602 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA16CA106 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/92602/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92602 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA106 ## Probable cause The private pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack during a go-around in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a collision with terrain short of the runway. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 9,308 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: climb rate](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 265 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 991 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) - [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 895 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md) - [Wind: variable wind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025/cases.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 113 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034025/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 1,201 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR go-around: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 1,130 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 5,010 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR go-around: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 10,154 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 1,514 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Piper PA-28RT-201, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=7102818), [All aircraft, 3,656 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight instructor reported that the private pilot receiving instruction was flying a simulated engine failure approach to an airport in gusty crosswind conditions. When the airplane approached 50 feet above the ground on final, the flight instructor called "go-around." He reported that the instructed pilot "simultaneously pulled back and went full throttle." The flight instructor stated that the airspeed was about 80 knots, and "the airplane fell straight to the ground" short of the runway. After the impact, the airplane bounced forward onto the runway, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane departed the runway to the left about 550 feet from the runway threshold. The flight instructor reported that he verified that the throttle was full forward before the impact. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing. The flight instructor reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory, trees were listed as an obstacle for the runway used. About the time of the accident, 7 nautical miles southeast of the airport, an automated weather observing system reported wind from 190 true at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The tree line was located upwind and parallel to the airplane's final approach. The FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge describes effects of obstructions on wind. The handbook states, "It is especially important to be vigilant when flying in or out of airports that have large buildings or natural obstructions located near the runway." The handbook further states, "During the landing phase of flight, an aircraft may 'drop in' due to the turbulent air and be too low to clear obstacles during the approach." ## Factual narrative The flight instructor reported that the private pilot receiving instruction was flying a simulated engine failure approach to an airport in gusty crosswind conditions. When the airplane approached 50 feet above the ground on final, the flight instructor called "go-around." He reported that the instructed pilot "simultaneously pulled back and went full throttle." The flight instructor stated that the airspeed was about 80 knots, and "the airplane fell straight to the ground" short of the runway. After the impact, the airplane bounced forward onto the runway, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane departed the runway to the left about 550 feet from the runway threshold. The flight instructor reported that he verified that the throttle was full forward before the impact. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing. The flight instructor reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory, trees were listed as an obstacle for the runway used. About the time of the accident, 7 nautical miles southeast of the airport, an automated weather observing system reported wind from 190 true at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The tree line was located upwind and parallel to the airplane's final approach. The FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge describes effects of obstructions on wind. The handbook states, "It is especially important to be vigilant when flying in or out of airports that have large buildings or natural obstructions located near the runway." The handbook further states, "During the landing phase of flight, an aircraft may "drop in" due to the turbulent air and be too low to clear obstacles during the approach." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2119N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2119N-2019-03-16), registration cancelled 2019-03-16, S/N 28R-7918038, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA 28RT-201 (T) - Registry model: [Piper PA-28RT-201](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28rt-201) (registry code 7102818) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28R-7918038 - Year built: 1979 - Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 201 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: J. Linn Aviation Inc - Registered owner: J. Linn Aviation Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: HQZ, MESQUITE, TX - Destination: HQZ, MESQUITE, TX - Airport: 1F7, Airpark East, runway 13, 2,630 × 30 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Auto-pilot ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 38; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 1, 2014; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 6,300 total, 500 in this make and model, 5,500 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 1.6 in the last 24 hours - Student pilot; age 19; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 300 total, 3 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 13 knots, gusting 21 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.17 inHg - Turbulence: Light - Observed at: KTRL, 7 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20160119004169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160119004169A), Jan 19, 2016: Piper PA-28RT-201, Mclendon Chisol, TX, Substantial damage. On January 19, 2016, aircraft was daytime VMC prevailed with no flight plan filed. There were two souls onboard; the CFI, and a private pilot receiving… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 18, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92602. 9.4 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 5.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437803&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation (Certified Flight Instructor) (item 2, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437804&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20(Certified%20Flight%20Instructor)-Master.PDF - Overview of Airport Terrain and Flight Path (item 3, .PDF, 125 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437805&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Overview%20of%20Airport%20Terrain%20and%20Flight%20Path-Master.PDF - Airport Facility Directory_1F7 (item 4, .PDF, 141 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437806&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Facility%20Directory_1F7-Master.PDF - Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge_PHAK_Chapter 11 (item 5, .PDF, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437807&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilots%20Handbook%20of%20Aeronautical%20Knowledge_PHAK_Chapter%2011-Master.PDF - Accident Photos (item 6, .PDF, 297 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437808&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.