Wind shear gets better of Piper pilot

This March 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: Piper Saratoga. Injuries: None. Location: Honolulu, Hawaii. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The airplane was on short final when it encountered wind shear. Before the pilot could take corrective action, the airplane landed hard and bounced to a second hard touchdown. The impact collapsed the right main and nose landing gear. The right wing spar was bent and the skin wrinkled. The left main landing gear separated from the fuselage, damaging the left flap and stabilator.

Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during landing.

For more information: NTSB.gov