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May 10, 2007 · Piper PA-28-180 · N38730

Fairmont, WV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fairmont, WV
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N38730
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA07CA096

The pilot stated that he flew a stabilized approach and had a normal touchdown. After touchdown the airplane veered to the left, and he compensated with right rudder but got no response. As the airplane drifted to the left, he increased the right rudder inputs and also used right toe-brake but again got no response. Before exiting the runway he pulled the handbrake while applying hard right toe-brake. The aircraft did slow but didn't turn to the right. After exiting the runway the airplane overran the VASI light system and struck a row of runway lights. After which the airplane impacted an embankment and slid obliquely down the side of it. The airplane then impacted another embankment perpendicular to that one, shearing the nose-wheel, bending the prop and engine-cowl. The airplane then rolled to the left and the wing struck the ground, buckling the inboard side fuel tank bulkhead and partially shearing from the fuselage before it come to a stop. The pilot stated that the airplane's nosewheel steering and brakes performed normally prior to the accident flight. The responding FAA inspector stated that examination of the site indicated that the airplane touchdown point was 25 yards from the end of the runway and 8 yards left of the centerline, and angled directly towards the second VASI light installation. Following the tire tracks it appears that the underside of the left wing impacted the VASI light. The pilot stated to the FAA inspector that there were no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated he flew a stabilized approach and had a normal touchdown. After touchdown the airplane veered to the left; he compensated with right rudder but got no response. As the airplane drifted to the left, he increased the right rudder inputs and also used right toe-brake but again got no response. Before exiting the runway he pulled the handbrake while applying hard right toe-brake. The aircraft did slow but didn't turn to the right. After exiting the runway the airplane overran the VASI light system and struck a row of runway lights. After which the airplane impacted an embankment and slid obliquely down the side of it. The airplane then impacted another embankment perpendicular to that one, shearing the nose-wheel, bending the prop and engine-cowl. The airplane then rolled to the left and the wing struck the ground, buckling the inboard side fuel tank bulkhead and partially shearing from the fuselage before it come to a stop. The pilot stated that the airplane's nose-wheel steering and braking performed normally prior to the accident flight. The responding FAA inspector stated that examination of the site indicated the airplane's touched down point was 25 yards from the end of the runway and 8 yards left of the centerline, and angled directly towards the second VASI light installation. Following the tire tracks it appears that the underside of the left wing impacted the VASI light. The pilot stated to the FAA inspector that there were no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:30 EDT
Nearest AirportFairmount Municipal (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length2859 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN38730
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · 0-360 A2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 55
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time06:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data