PIPER PA 28-180
DeFuniak Springs, FL — August 26, 2015
Event Information
| Date | August 26, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA240 |
| Event ID | 20150827X63051 |
| Location | DeFuniak Springs, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.73278, -86.15083 |
| Airport | DEFUNIAK SPRINGS |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 28-180 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with a ditch.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll it felt as if "air got under the wing." The airplane drifted to the left and departed the runway surface into the grass about 40 miles per hour. During the runway excursion, the pilot reported that he crossed over a parallel taxiway, the nose gear impacted a storm water ditch and collapsed. The firewall sustained substantial damage. According to the pilot, the reported wind from the airport automated surface observing system about the time of the accident was 350 degrees true at 9 knots, which resulted in a 9 knot crosswind component.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.