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May 19, 2005 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3936W

Ypsilanti, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ypsilanti, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3936W
Operator
William C Downin
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05CA118

The airplane collided with a taxiway sign during a landing roll. The pilot reported that after a local flight they entered a left downwind for runway 23L with the tower reporting the winds as being from 150 at 12 knots. The pilot reported that he established a left crab on final approach to stay centered with the runway. He stated that as he flared, he applied right rudder and left aileron. The pilot stated he touched down on the centerline, but the airplane began drifting to the right as the nose wheel touched down. He continued to report, "I again determined I had full left aileron into the left crosswind and applied more left rudder to steer the aircraft back to the centerline." The pilot stated he applied as much left rudder as he could; however, the airplane continued to turn right until it exited the runway and struck a taxiway sign. Airport personnel reported the airplane veered off the right side of runway 23L where it contacted the Taxiway Fox sign. The sign was knocked off of its mount and it came to rest 16 feet from the mount. The airplane came to rest 200 feet off the side of the runway. Inspection of the airplane's brakes, rudder, and steering systems buy the Federal Aviation Administration failed to reveal any mechanical failure/malfunction. A mechanic who inspected the airplane reported excessive play in the nose wheel steering system. THIS CASE WAS MODIFIED OCTOBER 12, 2006!!

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane due to undetermined reasons. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind condition and the taxiway sign which was contacted. THIS CASE WAS MODIFIED OCTOBER 12, 2006!!

Full Narrative

On May 19, 2005, at 1000 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3936W, collided with a taxiway sign during a landing roll on runway 23L (7,526 feet by 150 feet, dry asphalt) at the Willow Run Airport (YIP), Ypsilanti, Michigan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The local flight originated from YIP at 0956. The pilot reported that after a local flight they entered a left downwind for runway 23L with the tower reporting the winds as being from 150 at 12 knots. The pilot reported that he established a left crab on final approach to stay centered with the runway. He stated that as he flared, he applied right rudder and left aileron. The pilot stated he touched down on the centerline, but the airplane began drifting to the right as the nose wheel touched down. He continued to report, "I again determined I had full left aileron into the left crosswind and applied more left rudder to steer the aircraft back to the centerline." The pilot stated he applied as much left rudder as he could; however, the airplane continued to turn right until it exited the runway and struck a taxiway sign. Airport personnel reported the airplane veered off the right side of runway 23L where it contacted the Taxiway Fox sign. The sign was knocked off of its mount and it came to rest 16 feet from the mount. The airplane came to rest 200 feet off the side of the runway. Inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration Belleville, Michigan Flight Standards District Office inspected the airplane after the accident. The inspectors reported that they inspected the brakes, rudder, and steering systems, and no defects were noted. A mechanic who inspected the airplane for the pilot reported the clevis bolt on the landing gear was loose allowing the horn assembly to work back and forth eroding the attach bolt. He reported that this in addition to excessive wear on the lower torque link, bushing inserts, and damper assembly allowed 10 to 14 degrees of caster on the nose wheel assembly. THIS CASE WAS MODIFIED OCTOBER 12, 2006!!

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWillow Run Airport (0nm)
Runway23L
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3936W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam C Downin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1G5D · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 57
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time09:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data