PIPER PA-24 near Honesdale, PA — 2022-04-25

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the edge of the asphalt, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to a goose.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was executing a 180° turn at the approach end of the runway to begin takeoff when she saw a goose crossing the runway near her position. To avoid the goose she relaxed the turn, and the right main landing gear wheel rolled off the asphalt in an area with a 4-inch lip. The airplane then rolled down an embankment resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Miscellaneous/other · Taxi
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• RELEASE OF AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE, NTSB FORM 6120.15, AND NTSB ATTEMPTS TO COMPLETE FORMform
• RECORD OF NTSB CONVERSATIONother
• INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOGRAPHSphotos

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