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N7971W accident description

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Crash location 33.574167°N, 117.128334°W
Nearest city French Valley, CA
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Tail number N7971W
Accident date 14 Sep 2012
Aircraft type Piper PA-28-180
Additional details: None

NTSB Factual Report

The airplane drifted across the runway centerline during the final approach, and the pilot applied corrective control input. Gusting crosswind and high temperatures were present, and as such, he continued the approach with the flaps retracted. He corrected for the wind by lowering the left wing, and applying right rudder control. During the flare, the wind direction shifted to a quartering tailwind, and the airplane veered to the right. Unable to keep the airplane over the runway, he applied full engine power and initiated a go-around. The engine responded, but the airplane did not climb as expected, and its main landing gear made contact with the vertical stabilizer of an airplane on the taxiway. The airplane subsequently settled and landed in the adjacent parking apron, where it collided with five parked airplanes. Both the accident airplane, and all five parked airplanes, sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during a go-around following a sudden change in wind direction.

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