PIPER PA-32-300
Easton, MD — December 4, 2012
Event Information
| Date | December 4, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA079 |
| Event ID | 20121205X25715 |
| Location | Easton, MD |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.80416, -76.06889 |
| Airport | Easton/Newnam Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-32-300 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during landing, the main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. As soon as the nosegear touched down, the airplane "fishtailed." The pilot applied brakes; however, he was unable to get the airplane to straighten or stop. He then pulled back on the yoke and the airplane veered left. The airplane subsequently traveled off the left side of the runway and struck a ditch. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The recorded wind at the airport, about the time of the accident, was a 30-degree left quartering headwind at 6 knots.
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.