Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for gusting wind during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he landed with extra power to compensate for gusting wind. He added that, after the main landing gear touched down, the airplane encountered a wind gust and ballooned up about 50 to 100 ft. The pilot initiated a go-around but was unsuccessful. The airplane impacted the runway in a flat attitude, and the nose landing gear was pushed/driven through the top of the cowling.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA047 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 15, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Springfield, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Springfield-Beckley Muni (SGH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 34
- N-number
- N55378
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.