PIPER PA28 near Phoenix, AZ — 2012-01-06

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll for reasons that could not be determined because impact damage precluded determination of the preaccident functionality of the braking and steering systems.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot planned to conduct a solo cross-country flight with intermediate stops at two other airports before returning to the flight school base airport. The taxi, takeoff, flight, and touchdown of the first leg were normal. However, during the landing roll, the airplane pulled right, but the pilot was able to keep the airplane on the runway. The pilot stopped the airplane but did not shut down the engine or exit the airplane. Instead, he leaned out the door of the low-wing airplane to check for anomalies. He did not report seeing anything unusual; however, the wing would have blocked his view of the landing gear. He then taxied the airplane, departed, and did not experience any anomalies or difficulties with the airplane during that departure and flight. However, the student was concerned about the event at the first destination, so he opted not to land at the second planned destination, and, instead, he circled a few times and then headed toward the base airport. Although the flight school encouraged students to solicit assistance in the event of off-site problems and the pilot could have contacted the school via radio, he did not do so nor did he explain why he did not do so. The landing at the base airport was normal until the nose gear touched down, and the airplane subsequently veered right and departed the runway. The airplane struck a runway distance sign and a berm, which substantially damaged the nose and right main landing gear. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures with the landing gear that would have precluded normal operation, but impact damage to the landing gear precluded a determination of the braking and steering systems' preaccident condition and functionality. Review of maintenance records indicated that the airplane had operated normally in the several months since its most recent landing gear and steering system maintenance. Subsequent to the accident, the flight school provided students with mobile phones to improve their ability to contact the flight school in the event of off-site problems or difficulties.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have exited the aircraft to inspect for damage after landing at E63.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 10 docket documents

Docket documents10

• Airplane and Accident Informationform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Pilot Statementinterview
• Deer Valley METARsother
• Gila Bend METARsother
• Maintenance Event Summaryother
• NTSB Transpac FAA Emailother
• Record of Communication Transpac Academyother
• Record of Conversation Director of Safetyother
• Record of Conversation Pilotother

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