Piper PA32
Swainsboro, GA — March 31, 2019
Event Information
| Date | March 31, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA191 |
| Event ID | 20190331X91146 |
| Location | Swainsboro, GA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.60917, -82.37000 |
| Airport | East Georgia Regional |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA32 |
| 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 landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and the landing gear collapsing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during cruise flight, his onboard weather radar showed unfavorable weather ahead, and he diverted to a nearby airport for a precautionary landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane veered left, slid off the runway onto the adjacent field, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper engine mount.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 9 knots, gusting 18 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 32.
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.