Primary finding
Probable cause
The delayed reaction of the pilot-in-command to compensate for unexpected weather conditions, resulting in damage to the landing gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting to land the airplane when he encountered unexpected wind conditions. The airplane lost altitude and the right main gear and nose gear struck a canal bank just short of the runway. The pilot executed a go-around and during the landing roll, the right main gear and nose gear collapsed.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 4, 1993, about 1100 eastern standard time, N43113, a Piper PA-28-140 registered to the pilot Michael Nolan, crashed on landing attempt at Hastings, Florida, after a local 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated about 1035 the same day. The pilot stated that he attempted a landing and encountered a downdraft and the nose gear and right main gear struck a canal bank just short of the runway. He added power and executed a go- around. During the next landing the right main and nose gear collapsed on landing roll. -