Probable cause
A hard landing or abnormal runway contact by one or both pilots.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that prior to the flight he checked the weather, and preflighted the airplane. The pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI) took off and conducted a series of practice flight maneuvers for his commercial pilot's license. After completing the maneuvers, the pilot and CFI returned to the airport to practice five landings then taxi the airplane to the parking area. After parking the airplane, a crack was observed on the wing above the right landing gear aft mount. Further examination of the airframe revealed the upper right wing and right main landing gear attachment point were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane's airframe or engine prior to the incident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA345 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Tucson International Airport (TUS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28R-180
- N-number
- N3953T
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.