PIPER PA 18-150 near Cornelia, GA — 2015-04-04

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that just as he was going to touch down on the runway, the airplane wanted to turn to the left, he applied right rudder but it was not affective. He applied full power and attempted to abort the landing but the airplane would not gain lift. The airplane veered left off the runway and into the grass and was traveling towards a ditch. He applied one notch of flaps in an attempt to clear the ditch; subsequently the airplanes main wheels came in contact with the ditch first and stopped immediately, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Record of Phone Conversation (Pilot)other
• Photo 1 – View of airplane front left (photo courtesy of the FAA)photos
• Photo 2 – View of airplane front (photo courtesy of the FAA)photos

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