Event FTW01LA215

Factual narrative

On August 11, 2001, approximately 0830 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235 airplane, N235RM, was substantially damaged during a hard landing at the Dallas Airpark East near Terrell, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by one of the two pilots on board the airplane. The two private pilots were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the Mesquite Metro Airport, Mesquite, Texas, approximately 0800. According to the pilot/owner, who was in the left seat, the purpose of the flight was proficiency training, and to practice short field and crosswind landings. The flight departed Mesquite after both pilots practiced touch-and-go takeoffs and landings, and then proceeded to Dallas Airpark East. Upon arrival, the pilot/owner executed one touch-and-go, then the other pilot, who was seated in the right seat, took control of the airplane to practice another touch-and-go. The pilot/owner reported that the right seat pilot was in the process of landing on runway 13 when, at the point of the landing flare, a "wind shear was encountered, which caused an immediate loss of lift and a hard touchdown." In a written statement and event diagram, the pilot/owner depicted the airplane landing adjacent to a tree line, which was upwind from the airplane's touchdown point. The pilot/owner reported the wind from the south at 8-10 knots. At 0753, the Dallas Love Airport weather observation facility (located 27 miles west of the accident airport) reported the wind from 200 degrees at 8 knots. The airplane was examined by an FAA inspector and a mechanic. According to the FAA inspector, the underside wing skin was wrinkled, the landing gear struts were damaged, and an engine mount was bent. In addition, the aircraft mechanic stated that the outboard wing spar was bent. The event was not reported to the NTSB until September 12, 2001. According to the pilot/owner, the purpose of the flight was for the two private pilots to practice short field and crosswind landings. The flight departed the originating airport after both pilots practiced touch-and-go takeoffs and landings, and proceeded to another airport. Upon arrival the pilot/owner executed one touch-and-go, then the other pilot took control of the airplane to practice another touch-and-go. The pilot/owner reported that the other pilot was in the process of landing, when at the point of the landing flare, a "wind shear was encountered, which caused an immediate loss of lift and a hard touchdown." In a written statement and event diagram, the pilot/owner depicted the airplane landing adjacent to a tree line, which was upwind from the airplane's touchdown point. The pilot/owner reported the wind from the south at 8-10 knots. The closest weather observation facility reported the wind from 200 degrees at 8 knots. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12