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December 7, 2007 · Piaggio Aero Industries S P A Avanti P-180 · C-GPIA

Battle Mountain, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 7, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Battle Mountain, NV
Aircraft
Piaggio Aero Industries S P A Avanti P-180
Tail Number
C-GPIA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA036

During the landing roll, the flight crew engaged the nose wheel steering just below 60 knots indicated airspeed, and the airplane made an abrupt left turn. The crew attempted to correct the turn, but were unsuccessful. The airplane completed a 180-degree turn, and slid backwards down the runway before it departed the left side of the pavement. The right main landing gear collapsed after sinking in soft mud. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and the fuselage. Examination of the nose gear steering system, hydraulics, brakes, and rudder system by an FAA airworthiness inspector, and a representative from the airplane's manufacturer, found no mechanical anomalies. The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) states that "Steering engagement during landing is prohibited." The POH requires that the nose wheel steering be disengaged at or before 60 knots during the takeoff. During the interview with the pilots, they said they were unaware of the prohibition against engaging the nose wheel steering during landing. They noted that because the steering system is used up to 60 knots during takeoff, they assumed that the nose gear steering was to be engaged after touchdown during the landing roll, while slowing through 60 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight crew's failure to follow published procedures/directives in the Pilot's Operating Handbook during landing.

Full Narrative

During a VOR/DME approach the airplane broke out of clouds about 750 feet above ground level and made a normal touchdown. Winds were 330 degrees at 5 knots. The flight crew reported that the runway was wet, but there was no standing water. The pilot engaged the nose wheel steering just below 60 knots indicated, and the airplane started into an abrupt left turn. Right rudder input had no effect, and the airplane turned 180 degrees, and slid backwards down the runway before it departed the left side of the pavement. The right main landing gear collapsed after sinking into the soft mud. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing tip, right wing aileron, right engine propeller, right main landing gear, and the right side of the fuselage was wrinkled and deformed. Examination of the nose gear steering system, hydraulics, brakes, and rudder system by an FAA airworthiness inspector and Piaggio America, Inc., personnel found no mechanical anomalies. The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) paragraph 4.2.13, the airplane check list, as well as Flight Safety International Training Manual, all state that "Steering engagement during landing is prohibited." The FAA Inspector interviewed the flight crew, Flight Safety International personnel, and Piaggio America, Inc., training personnel. The FAA inspector reported that the POH requires that the nose wheel steering be disengaged at or before 60 knots during the takeoff. Also, the rudder becomes ineffective below 40 knots. During the interview with the pilots, they said they were unaware of the prohibition against engaging the nose wheel steering during landing. They further observed that because the steering system is used up to 60 knots during takeoff, they assumed that the nose gear steering was to be engaged after touchdown during the landing rollout, while slowing through 60 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 PST
Nearest AirportBattle Mountain (0nm)
Runway03
Runway Length7299 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiaggio Aero Industries S P A Avanti P-180
Tail NumberC-GPIA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A-66 · Turboprop · 850
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 33 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 5 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingOvercast 700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data