Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 46-350P near Aspen, CO — 2021-02-28

Final reportCEN21LA186
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Date
2021-02-28
Location
Aspen, CO, USA
Airport
ASE
Aircraft
PIPER PA 46-350P
Registration
N6962S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during landing when the airplane’s nose landing gear contacted the runway the airplane veered “very sharply” to the left. The pilot attempted to correct using the rudder and brakes; however, the airplane departed the side of the runway and slid over ice and snow. The pilot then steered the airplane back towards the runway, but as he did the airplane collided with a runway light. The nose wheel landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the scene reported that a postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. The FAA inspector later reported that during the airplane’s repair, no anomalies were detected which would have contributed to a loss of directional control. The pilot reported 56 hours in make and model and 246 total hours. It is unknown if his experience level contributed to the loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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