# NTSB NYC05CA135: Piper PA-24-180, N6617P, Hancock, NY, August 21, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: August 21, 2005, 11:40 local (15:40 UTC) - Place: Hancock, NY - Coordinates: 42.049999, -75.300834 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0500&lon=-75.3008&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 20, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 62317 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC05CA135 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62317/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05CA135 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting the ground. A factor in the accident was the downdraft wind condition, as reported by the pilot. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 35, and on the base leg, he added two notches of flaps and trimmed the airplane to maintain 85 knots. During the final approach to the runway, the airplane encountered a gust of wind (downdraft). The pilot applied power; however, the airplane impacted the rising terrain prior to the approach end of the runway, and slid approximately 200 feet before coming to rest. The winds reported at an airport 31 miles to the southeast were from 260 degrees at 8 knots. ## Factual narrative On August 21, 2005, at 1140 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-24-180, N6617P, was substantially damaged during landing at the White Birch Field Airport (4N8), Hancock, New York. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight which originated at the Farmers Pride Airport (9N7), Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he entered the traffic pattern for runway 35, and on the base leg, he added two notches of flaps and trimmed the airplane to maintain 85 knots. During the final approach to the runway, the airplane encountered a gust of wind (downdraft). The pilot applied power; however, the airplane impacted the rising slope at the approach end of the runway. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the airplane and accident site reported that the airplane touched down "slightly before" the threshold of runway 35. The airplane then slid approximately 200 feet, onto the rising slope of the runway. The winds reported at an airport 31 miles to the southeast were from 260 degrees at 8 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6617P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6617P-2009-02-06), registration cancelled 2009-02-06, S/N 24-1738, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-24-180 - Registry model: [Piper PA-24-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-180) (registry code 7102403) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 24-1738 - Airframe hours: 5725 - Engines: Lycoming 0-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Ned Corman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 2005, 10 hours before - Departed: 9N7, Fredricksburg, PA - Destination: 4N8, Hancock, NY - Airport: 4N8, White Birch Field Airport, runway 35, 1,910 × 70 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 1, 2004; seat: left; flight hours: 696 total, 170 in this make and model, 624 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 29.90 inHg - Observed at: MSV, 31 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 20050821021319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050821021319A), Aug 21, 2005: Piper PA24180, Hancock, NY, Substantial damage. (-23) On approach for landing to runway 35, the pilot realized that he had encountered a downdraft, and added power to make it to the runway. The aircraft… ## Other investigations on N6617P (1) 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. - [NTSB MIA66D0243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA66D0243), Aug 7, 1965: Piper PA-24 (N6617P), Chattahoochee, FL, substantial damage 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.