Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA22 near Merritt Island, FL — 2025-09-20

Final reportERA25LA364
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Date
2025-09-20
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
Airport
COI
Aircraft
PIPER PA22
Registration
N3429Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind.

NTSB narrative

The owner/pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting a normal three-point landing in a 15-knot right crosswind that was gusting to 18 knots. During the landing the airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in a drainage ditch. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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