N3502W is a 1966 Piper PA-32-260. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft with 6 seats, powered by a Lycoming 0-540 series rated at 250 horsepower. The registration is active, with the registrant based in Stephenville, TX. Its standard airworthiness certificate was issued in Feb 1966. It has been registered to its current owner since Apr 2020. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
- 60 years old
- 1 of 686 Piper PA-32-260
2020
1966
That's everything on file so far — TailWiki checks the FAA registry daily and adds new entries as N3502W's record changes.
The pilot was landing the tricycle gear equipped airplane at a remote, unimproved airport, which was surrounded by mountainous terrain. Before beginning his approach, the pilot assessed the wind conditions, and then planned an approach into a 25 to 35 knot quartering headwind. On short final, approximately 20 feet above ground level, a sudden wind shift caused the airplane to descend faster than anticipated. He attempted to arrest the descent by adding engine power, but the airplane landed hard and the right main wheel axle separated from the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, aileron and stabilator. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been avoided if a windsock had been present at the airport; he also stated that notes in the Alaska Supplement warning operators of wind shear hazards associated with the terrain surrounding the airport would enhance safety.
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