PIPER PA 28-161 near Pensacola, FL — 2018-04-15

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control and long landing in gusting wind conditions due to his shoe getting stuck on the brakes.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he landed with a left crosswind with about the final third of the 3,200-ft-long runway remaining. He reported that his ground speed was too fast, and after his initial brake application, he increased brake pressure and his right shoe became "stuck between the right pedal and the toe brake." The airplane veered to the right and exited the right side of the runway, striking a runway light before it collided with a creek where it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. According to the METAR located 3 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 310° at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed on runway 36. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted the landing earlier or diverted to a better airport.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photophotos

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