NYC05CA023

The flight progressed without incident until on approach to land. On final, the airplane began to settle, and then touched down approximately 25 yards short of the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no mechanical difficulties with the airplane, and examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions.

On November 26, 2004, about 1330 eastern standard time, N33061, a Piper PA-28-180, was substantially damaged during landing at the Highview Farms Airport (94VA), Appomattox, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that departed Falwell Airport (W24), Lynchburg, Virginia, destined for Highview Farms Airport. No flight plan was filed, and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, the flight progressed without incident until on approach to land at Highview Farms Airport. The airplane was approximately 25 yards from runway 33, when it began to settle. The airplane touched down short of the runway, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop. During the accident sequence, the airplane struck some railroad ties, and several approach and runway lights. The pilot reported to the Safety Board that he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions or failures.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, examination of the wreckage revealed the left main landing gear had separated from the airframe, and the left main wing spar was damaged.

A weather observation taken 24 minutes after the accident at the Falwell Airport, which was located approximately 17 nautical miles southeast, recorded the weather as: wind variable at 3 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 46 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.20 inches of mercury.