Piper PA-32R-301 N9285R

Summary

On 22 August 2005 at about 14:30 local time, a Piper PA-32R-301 registered N9285R was involved in an accident near West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

22 August 2005 at 14:30

Classification

Accident

Location

West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

Nearest airport

Brandywine Airport (N99)

Coordinates

39.9853, -75.5819

Aircraft

Piper PA-32R-301

Registration

N9285R

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Pawtucket → West Chester

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD05FA125

2 people died.

The pilot's improper decision to abort the landing after the airplane contacted the runway. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was extended during the landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the approach to landing at the destination airport, the airplane was observed on the final approach to the runway with the flaps fully extended, and the landing gear in the retracted position. During the landing, the flaps and the cabin entry step dragged on the runway pavement. The airplane's engine power then increased, and as the nose of the airplane pitched downward, the propeller contacted the runway. The airplane then climbed, banked left, and struck several trees located about 500 feet prior to the departure end of the runway. The airplane continued to climb, but subsequently descended into trees located about 1/2 mile from the airport, in a nose up attitude, and with the landing gear extended. Examination of the airplane following the accident revealed no evidence of any pre-impact malfunction or failure. Diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, was detected in the pilot's blood consistent with recent ingestion. In typical doses, this medication commonly results in drowsiness, and has measurable effects on performance of complex cognitive and motor tasks.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.