Piper PA46 N95AG accident near Burke, Texas

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with unexpected low-level wind shear during final approach, which resulted in a hard impact with the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and the flight instructor were conducting an instrument proficiency check flight. After performing two approaches and an uneventful landing at the airport, the airplane departed to perform a simulated engine out scenario under (simulated) instrument flight rules conditions. During the approach with the engine power reduced and the main landing gear extended, as the airplane approached the runway threshold, the airplane dropped “precipitously,” and the flight crew felt a hard impact on the runway. The pilot then executed a go around. The pilot noted the main landing gear indicator showed all three green lights illuminated; however, the right-side main landing gear had sheared off during the hard impact. During the subsequent landing with full flaps, the right wing impacted the runway, the airplane departed the runway to the right, and it came to rest upright on a flat grass field.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A review of meteorological data showed the likely presence of low-level wind shear at the accident site, at the time of the accident. The airplane was equipped with onboard weather capability, and the pilot reported that the flight crew did study the inbound weather before the first approach and landing at the airport. The pilot further reported that he utilized ForeFlight for his preflight weather planning.

The FAA has published Wind Shear FAA-P-8740-40. This document discusses wind shear at a low altitude and states in part:

When the altitude of the encounter is too low to make a recovery, or the shear itself is strong enough to overcome aircraft performance capability, the aircraft lands short.

The document also discusses three ways to prevent a hazardous encounter with wind shear and states:

Know wind shear is there.

Know the magnitude of the change.

Be prepared to correct or go around immediately.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA159 for the full record.