Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-180 near DeFuniak Springs, FL — 2015-08-26

Final reportGAA15CA240
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Date
2015-08-26
Location
DeFuniak Springs, FL, USA
Airport
54J
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-180
Registration
N7215W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with a ditch.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing roll it felt as if "air got under the wing." The airplane drifted to the left and departed the runway surface into the grass about 40 miles per hour. During the runway excursion, the pilot reported that he crossed over a parallel taxiway, the nose gear impacted a storm water ditch and collapsed. The firewall sustained substantial damage. According to the pilot, the reported wind from the airport automated surface observing system about the time of the accident was 350 degrees true at 9 knots, which resulted in a 9 knot crosswind component. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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