Piper PA32R N4137W

Summary

On 17 November 2018 at about 22:20 local time, a Piper PA32R registered N4137W, operated by 335 Aviation LLC, was involved in an accident near Versailles, Ohio, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 November 2018 at 22:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Versailles, Ohio, United States

Nearest airport

Darke County (VES)

Coordinates

40.2044, -84.5325

Aircraft

Piper PA32R

Registration

N4137W

Category

Airplane

Year built

1999

Engines

1

Operator

335 Aviation LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Gallatin → Versailles

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA19CA069

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in landing on the landing gear first and a subsequent loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and impact with a tree and a fence during an attempted go-around. 

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the initial approach, the pilot and airplane owner were not able to see the airport environment due to haze, but both of them were able to see the ground. The pilot continued to use the GPS for navigation, and once the airplane was above the airport, they were able to see the runway. The pilot then made a 180º turn to align for a final approach; however, the approach was not stabilized, so the pilot initiated a go-around. After the climbout, he made another 180º turn for final approach to the opposite runway. The airplane touched down on the nose landing gear first and then immediately veered left and exited the runway. The pilot attempted another go-around, but the airplane struck a tree and then an airport perimeter fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.