Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

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2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
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Rifle, Colorado

April 20, 2008 · NTSB DFW08CA124 · Piper PA-28-180 (N7417W)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued β€” always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

The 52-year-old private pilot was attempting to land his single-engine, low-wing airplane on Runway 26 with a crosswind. While on final approach, at a speed of 90 mph, he encountered wind shear, which resulted in a sudden loss of airspeed. The airplane then made a slight bounce on the runway, before another gust of wind picked up the left wing and blew the airplane off the runway into the dirt. Subsequently, the right wing contacted the ground resulting in substantial damage. The propeller and the nose gear were also damaged. The wind at the time was reported from 220 degrees at 19 knots gusting to 33 knots. The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane on landing. A factor was the crosswind and wind gusts.

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NTSB Findings

  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Not specified - F
  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Not specified - F

Details

NTSB ReportDFW08CA124
AircraftPiper PA-28-180
RegistrationN7417W
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location39.5222, -107.7228
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