Pilot Debrief

Piper PA32 near Swainsboro, GA — 2019-03-31

Final reportGAA19CA191
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Date
2019-03-31
Location
Swainsboro, GA, USA
Airport
SBO
Aircraft
Piper PA32
Registration
N75242
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and the landing gear collapsing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight, the onboard weather radar showed unfavorable weather ahead, and he diverted to a nearby airport for a precautionary landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane veered left and slid off the runway onto an adjacent field, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 32.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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