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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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March 3, 1996 · Piper PA-22/20-150 PA-22/20-1 · N3311B

Merritt Island, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 3, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Merritt Island, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-22/20-150 PA-22/20-1
Tail Number
N3311B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA96LA091

The pilot was landing on runway 29 with a wind that was reported to be from 020 degrees at about 16-19 knots. After passing a clearing in trees on the right side of the runway, he lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane went off the runway, into a ditch, and nosed over.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On March 3, 1996, about 1515 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22/20-150, N3311B, crashed while landing at the Merritt Island Airport, Merritt Island, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight originated about 1450 from the Merritt Island Airport. The pilot stated that the wind was from about 350 degrees at 16-19 knots and he performed three touch-and-go landings on runway 29. On the last landing during the landing roll, he lost directional control of the airplane after passing a clearing of trees located on the right side of the runway. He applied full right aileron, left brake and rudder but the airplane veered off the right side of the runway onto grass. Unable to stop, the airplane continued into a ditch and nosed over. The pilot further stated that while the airplane was decelerating, he reduced the aileron input that was applied on landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EST
Nearest AirportMerritt Island (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length3601 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22/20-150 PA-22/20-1
Tail NumberN3311B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data