Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain the airplane’s rate of descent in gusting wind conditions resulting in a hard landing and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during approach to runway 28, he noticed that the vertical speed indicator showed an increase in the decent rate so he applied full power.
He reported that the airplane landed hard, and he heard a "pop" and believed that the main landing gear tires had failed. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and struck a runway light.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft bulkhead, stringer, and skin.
According to the METAR at the accident airport, about the time of the accident the wind was from 230° at 28 kts gusting to 42 kts.
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 GAA18CA081 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 5, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cheboygan, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Cheboygan County (SLH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 32
- N-number
- N4887S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1971
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.