# NTSB WPR09CA031: Piper PA-22-135, N2468A, San Manuel, AZ, November 2, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 1, 2008, 17:30 local (Nov 2, 2008, 00:30 UTC) - Place: San Manuel, AZ - Coordinates: 32.63639, -110.654724 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6364&lon=-110.6547&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 24, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 69388 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR09CA031 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69388/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA031 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain lateral aircraft control that resulted in collision with terrain during landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: lateral/bank control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062023): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause) ## Analysis The pilot was attempting to perform a soft-field landing, had full flaps selected, and was managing the descent with the throttle control. As the airplane transitioned to short final, it was configured in a nose-high stabilized approach with full flaps. The pilot added right rudder in attempt to gain visibility out the window straight ahead. With the airplane about 20 to 30 feet above ground level (agl) and 100 feet from the threshold, the pilot applied power to arrest the descent. The increase in power in combination with the rudder input resulted in the airplane's left wing contacting the ground. The pilot further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. ## Factual narrative In a written statement, the pilot reported that as the airplane was about 3 miles from the destination airport, he configured for landing by adding full flaps. He opted to perform a soft-field landing for the purpose of practice and began managing the descent with the throttle control. As the airplane transitioned to short final, it was configured in a nose-high stabilized approach. With the airplane 150 feet from the runway threshold, the pilot added right rudder in attempt to gain visibility out the window straight ahead. As the airplane was 20 to 30 feet above ground level (agl) and 100 feet from the threshold, the pilot applied power to arrest the descent. The increase in power, in combination with the rudder input, resulted in the airplane's left wing contacting the ground. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the application of rudder while adding full power created enough instability to drop the wing. The pilot further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Dragged wing/rotor/float/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/093) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2468A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2468A-2012-08-08), registration cancelled 2012-08-08, S/N 22-805, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-135 - Registry model: [Piper PA-22-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-135) (registry code 7102206) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-805 - Airframe hours: 5125 - Engines: LYCOMING 0-290 SERIES 140 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Operator: Anasazi Design Services, LLC. - Registered owner: Anasazi Design Services, LLC. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 22, 2007, 30 hours before - Departed: CHD, Chandler, AZ - Destination: E77, San Manuel, AZ - Airport: E77, San Manuel Airport, runway 11, 4,200 × 75 ft ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 49; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 299 total, 80 in this make and model, 232 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg ## 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 20081101852559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081101852559A), Nov 1, 2008: Piper PA22135, San Manuel, AZ, Substantial damage. Pilot was landing on runway 11 at E77. While using full flaps and setting up for a soft field landing, he was about to add power when the left wing dropped and… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; 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.