PIPER PA-44-180 near Gaithersburg, MD — 2011-08-26

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue taxiing with restricted windshield visibility.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was taxiing to the active runway for takeoff when the windshield became foggy and he missed the left turn to the runway. The airplane exited the taxiway onto a grassy area, the pilot then turned left, and the airplane slid down a hill. The airplane's right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Taxi-to runway

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 with occupant statementsform
• Goggle Earth overview of Gaithersburg Airportother
• Photograph # 1 – View of airplane as it came to rest (Provided by FAA)photos

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