Accident Update N7100Q (KPIE)

When I was a student pilot, I made a mistake concerning those two runways (22 and 27). I was doing pattern work and I was cleared for touch and go on 27, but I was so caught up in the cockpit with the checklist and airspeed, vertical speed etc etc that I ended up accidently landing on RWY22 instead of 27. As soon as I took off, tower asked me "How was that crosswind?" I said "Not that bad", he said "We'll just so you know, you did land on the wrong runway, but there was no traffic so you're ok." Thankfully the controller was friendly and let me off the hook. I learned a great lesson that day, and now I triple check everytime as I'm on base.

Here's a picture of the cover of the St. Pete Times today:

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Its terrible to hear about a loss like that, especially when it was an avoidable situation. I made the same mistake a few years back when flying solo to KSEF (Sebring FL). Runway 36 and 32 are very easy to get mixed up. 36 was the active, and coming in from the Southeast it is easy to line up on 32. At about 500 feet AGL I noticed the numbers on the runway said 32, it was easy to just make a right base for 36 and continue the landing. Afterwards I thought about it, and realized I should have just went around. Luckily its a non-towered airport, and there was no other traffic in the pattern.

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Its a lesson I learned well, and carried with me throughout the rest of my training and at Piedmont. I always had my heading bug set for the correct runway, and when an ILS was available I always used it.
 
Again, thank you to everyone for your support - it means a lot and I can't say that enough.

Just another update I got this evening - they pulled the plane from the water and much to their surprise, the prop was not bent. The engine could also be pulled through. I guess they're going to try and start it tomorrow. All of the documentation, including Joe's logbook, were legible despite being in the water for two days. Strange that the prop wouldn't be bent, though. Supposedly we'll have pictures tomorrow or the next day, so if they're not too disturbing, I'll try and post them.
 
Murdoughnut said:
Again, thank you to everyone for your support - it means a lot and I can't say that enough.

Just another update I got this evening - they pulled the plane from the water and much to their surprise, the prop was not bent. The engine could also be pulled through. I guess they're going to try and start it tomorrow. All of the documentation, including Joe's logbook, were legible despite being in the water for two days. Strange that the prop wouldn't be bent, though. Supposedly we'll have pictures tomorrow or the next day, so if they're not too disturbing, I'll try and post them.
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Sorry to hear this MD. :(
 
My grandmother and Uncle live on the extended centerline of 35R. (Unit 6 of Mainlands) When I'm down visiting the jets are usually turning final just south of her house.

Strange things happen to the best of people. My condolences to you and Joe's family.
 
Its terrible when this happens. I remember one of my first flight lessons at KPIE the instructor noting how pilots do get confused between RW 22 & 27. As stated before never a bad time for a go around. Sorry for your lose 'M :(
 
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