Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28R near Spokane, WA — 2019-08-19

Final reportWPR19LA227
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Date
2019-08-19
Location
Spokane, WA, USA
Airport
SFF
Aircraft
Piper PA28R
Registration
N43793
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

A loss of directional control during landing for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, after the nosewheel touched down, the airplane “immediately” veered to the right and he was unable to regain control. The airplane continued off the side of the runway, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed that the steering linkage control rod exhibited bending of the threaded shaft and 45o shear lips and cupping on the fractured surface, consistent with a ductile overstress fracture. The left main landing gear collapse and the steering linkage and control rod fracture likely occurred during the accident sequence from side loads experienced during the runway excursion. The reason for the loss of control during landing could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have executed a go-around after initial touchdown issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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