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NTSB Report

May 3, 2006 · Piper PA-28-181 · N441MA

Columbia, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Columbia, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N441MA
Operator
Justice Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX06CA159

The airplane veered off the runway surface and collided with terrain. The pilot completed a normal approach and touched down on the runway surface. After a short ground roll the left wing lifted and the airplane began to veer from the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to rectify the heading deviation with use of the aileron and rudder controls. Despite his attempts, the airplane departed the right side of the runway, coming to rest in a ditch. The pilot estimated the winds to be from 160 degrees at 8 knots. An airplane mechanic inspected the wreckage after the accident. He noted no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

The airplane veered off the runway and collided with terrain. The pilot received the Automated Weather Observing Station (AWOS) information for the destination airport while en route on the 141 nautical mile cross-country flight. As he entered the proximity of the airport, he observed other airplanes in the traffic pattern utilizing runway 17. He completed a normal approach and touched down on the runway surface. After a short ground roll the left wing lifted and the airplane began to veer from the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to rectify the heading deviation with use of the aileron and rudder controls. Despite his attempts the airplane departed the right side of the runway, coming to rest in a ditch. The airplane incurred damage to the right wing spar and firewall. The pilot estimated the winds to be from 160 degrees at 8 knots. An airplane mechanic inspected the wreckage after the accident. He noted no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The Airport Facility Directory Southwest (AFD/SW) contained the following entry in the "Airport Remarks" section for the destination airport: "Varying wind directions and velocity may be encountered at mid point of runway 17-35 due to terrain features and wind flow patterns." The pilot indicated that he had reviewed the AFD comments prior to departing for the accident flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:17 PDT
Nearest AirportColumbia Airport (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length4670 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVfif
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN441MA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJustice Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data