PIPER PA-28-181 near Oliver Springs, TN — 2009-10-18

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control while landing on a wet turf runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a tree.

NTSB narrative

While landing on the wet turf runway, most likely with a slight tailwind, the airplane touched down and bounced back airborne. The airplane touched down again and turned about 45 degrees to the left, skidding toward the woods. Just prior to reaching the woods, the airplane's course began to straighten and it continued through a fence. The airplane subsequently swung around where its left side impacted a tree in the vicinity of the pilot's seat. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Post-mortem toxicology testing detected an over-the-counter decongestant, antihistamine, and cough suppressant in the pilot’s urine, but not blood, suggesting use no later than the previous evening of an over-the-counter night-time cold/allergy preparation. It is unlikely that the pilot would have been impaired by such use at the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

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