PIPER PA-32RT-300
Angle Fire, NM — January 15, 2012
Event Information
| Date | January 15, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA140 |
| Event ID | 20120123X44151 |
| Location | Angle Fire, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.42194, -105.28972 |
| Airport | Angel Fire Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-32RT-300 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 4 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
During the initial takeoff climb from runway 17, the airplane veered abruptly to the left and started to sink. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff and the airplane settled back to the ground. As the airplane rolled through the snow, the nosewheel and the left main landing gear collapsed. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the outboard portion of the left wing was substantially damaged. The pilot estimated the winds at 20 to 30 knots. Winds at the time of the accident were recorded as 250 degrees at 26 knots gusting to 37 knots. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found 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.