# NTSB NYC07CA067: Piper PA-28-181, N47480, Millbrook, NY, February 17, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: February 17, 2007, 10:47 local (15:47 UTC)
- Place: Millbrook, NY
- Coordinates: 41.781845, -73.694428 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7818&lon=-73.6944&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 29, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 65326
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC07CA067
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65326/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07CA067

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath to the runway.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - snowbank

## Analysis

The pilot reported that "the airplane was performing really good" throughout the flight and as he entered the traffic pattern for landing at the destination airport.  The pilot perceived that he was "high" on final approach, and slipped the airplane to increase the descent rate.  On short final, the airplane was "low" and struck a snowbank that crossed the approach end of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.  Upon striking the snowbank, the pilot aborted the landing and diverted safely to a nearby airport staffed with crash, fire, and rescue personnel.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that "the airplane was performing really good" throughout the flight and as he entered the traffic pattern for landing at the destination airport.  The pilot perceived that he was "high" on final approach, and slipped the airplane to increase the descent rate.  On short final, the airplane was "low" and struck a snowbank that crossed the approach end of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.  Upon striking the snowbank, the pilot aborted the landing and diverted safely to a nearby airport staffed with crash, fire, and rescue personnel.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N47480](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N47480-2018-04-12), registration cancelled 2018-04-12, S/N 28-7890078, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (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: 28-7890078
- Airframe hours: 6705
- Engines: Lycoming O-360 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lehigh Valley Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ABE, ALLENTOWN, PA
- Destination: POU, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY
- Airport: 44N, Sky Acres Airport, runway 17, 3,828 × 60 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; last flight review July 1, 2005; flight hours: 82 total, 28 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20070217004549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070217004549A), Feb 17, 2007: Piper PA28181, Poughkeepsie, NY, Minor damage. (-23) Aircraft initially came into skyacres airport 44N NY and during landing, aircraft RH MLG struck a snowbank on the edge of the runway. Pilot elected to…

## Other investigations on N47480 (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 CEN16LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA055), Dec 6, 2015: Piper PA 28-181 (N47480), Pontiac, MI, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s operation of the airplane below the glideslope and off course during a night, instrument approach, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.

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.

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