PIPER PA-32R-300
Richmond, IN — October 8, 2010
Event Information
| Date | October 8, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA015 |
| Event ID | 20101013X94624 |
| Location | Richmond, IN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.75611, -84.84278 |
| Airport | Richmond Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-32R-300 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's diverted attention to a landing gear indicator light that led to a loss of directional control and subsequent impact with terrain while taxiing.
Full Narrative
During an after landing taxi on a closed and unbarricaded taxiway, the pilot noticed a flickering landing gear indicator light. When the pilot diverted his attention to the indicator light, the airplane veered off the closed taxiway and into a drainage ditch that was under construction adjacent to the taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the firewall, the right rear landing gear spar, and buckling of the right wing. The pilot was uninjured. A notice to airman (NOTAM) for the taxiway closure was issued and was also known by the pilot. The airport operations manager initially told Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors that there were no NOTAMs issued pertaining to the taxiway closure. Upon completion of the FAA's on-scene documentation, the airport manager was asked whether there was a NOTAM issued to which the airport operations manager stated that there was a NOTAM for general construction.
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.