Piper PA-38-112 N2572N

Summary

On 12 October 2008 at about 00:45 local time, a Piper PA-38-112 registered N2572N, operated by Golden Eagle Enterprises, Inc., was involved in an accident near Fresno, California, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 October 2008 at 00:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Fresno, California, United States

Nearest airport

Sierra Sky Park Airport (E79)

Coordinates

36.8423, -119.8742

Aircraft

Piper PA-38-112

Registration

N2572N

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Golden Eagle Enterprises, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Fresno → Fresno

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR09CA011

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path while on final approach.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While on final for landing, the landing gear of the airplane struck a semi truck that was traveling on a road perpendicular to the runway at the approach end. The pilot had performed 10 full stop landings at the accident airport and was on approach for the 11th landing when the accident occurred. After impacting the trailer, the airplane landed on its belly and came to rest short of the runway. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented had he flown a higher approach. The driver and passenger in the vehicle stated that they had observed the airplane flying toward them and that it appeared low. Even though the airplane seemed low, the vehicle occupants thought it would clear the truck's trailer.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.