Piper PA-34
Blythe, CA — May 10, 2008
Event Information
| Date | May 10, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | LAX08CA157 |
| Event ID | 20080627X00935 |
| Location | Blythe, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.61806, -114.71667 |
| Airport | Blythe |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA-34 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Full Narrative
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he made a normal approach to runway 26 and touched down at 95 miles per hour (mph). After decelerating to 70 mph, the airplane unexpectedly began drifting to the left. The pilot corrected the airplane to the right towards the centerline. The airplane crossed the centerline and continued to the right. He stated that the airplane's movement was not in proportion to his control inputs. He tried to correct the airplane back to the left, and it entered an out-of-control side skid on the runway. At 15 mph, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the left main and nose gear. The airplane stopped on a heading of 104 degrees, left of the runway centerline.
At 1353, the Blyth ASOS (Automated Surface Observation System) recorded winds from 090 at 4 knots.
The pilot reported that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
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.