PIPER PA-28-161
Raleigh, NC — December 30, 2011
Event Information
| Date | December 30, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA160 |
| Event ID | 20120127X12405 |
| Location | Raleigh, NC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.61889, -78.68361 |
| Airport | Triple W Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-161 |
| 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 loss of directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, a gust of wind struck the airplane as he began the landing flare, and the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway. The airplane touched down, and during the landing roll the left main landing gear departed the left side of the runway. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to control the airplane with rudder input, but the left wing struck a tree, the airplane veered to the left, and came to rest in mud off the side of the runway resulting in substantial damage. The wind, recorded at an airport 14 miles to the south about the time of the accident, was from 200 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 16 knots. The pilot reported there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
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.