Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-31-350 near Saint Michael, AK — 2010-12-22

Final reportANC11LA006
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Date
2010-12-22
Location
Saint Michael, AK, USA
Airport
PAMK
Aircraft
PIPER PA-31-350
Registration
N45052
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The loss of directional control during landing due to a flat nose wheel tire, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said prior to landing that he extended the landing gear, and saw the nose wheel extended in a mirror on the engine nacelle. He said the nose tire appeared normal, but when it contacted the runway, he immediately knew it was flat. He said full opposite rudder and brake did not keep the airplane on the runway, and it rolled down an embankment. During the runway excursion the left wing spar was damaged.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked tire condition before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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