Pilot Debrief

Piper PA31 near Page, AZ — 2018-06-16

Final reportWPR18LA184
Sign in to save
Date
2018-06-16
Location
Page, AZ, USA
Airport
PGA
Aircraft
Piper PA31
Registration
N621PG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The failure of the airplane’s nose wheel steering/centering mechanism, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during the landing roll, he was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane veered right and exited the runway, where the nose landing gear collapsed. Examination of the airplane revealed that the nose gear steering/centering mechanism was fractured, which resulted in the improper alignment of the nose landing gear when it was extended, and a subsequent loss of directional control. Three skid marks were visible from the runway centerline to where the airplane came to rest. The center skid mark was consistent with the nose landing gear and was darker and was about 2-3 times the width of the marks from the main tires; consistent with the nose landing gear's misalignment during the landing roll.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps