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NTSB Report
May 16, 2015 · Piper PA 28-140 140 · N16491
Princeton, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 16, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Princeton, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA 28-140 140 (1973)
Tail Number
N16491
Operator
Peterson David J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA079
The pilot reported that during the landing, the back wheels of the airplane touched the runway, he heard a pop, and he couldn't control the airplane. He reported that the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, the right wing and nose impacted a ditch, and subsequently sustained substantial damage to both wings and the engine mount. The pilot stated he assumes the right tire exploded during the landing. A front view photograph of the airplane at the accident site (provided by the Federal Aviation Administration), showed the airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway, and that the right main landing gear tire was intact and inflated. The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing, the back wheels of the airplane touched the runway, he heard a pop, and he couldn't control the airplane. He reported that the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, the right wing and nose impacted a ditch, and subsequently sustained substantial damage to both wings and the engine mount. The pilot stated he assumes the right tire exploded during the landing. A front view photograph of the airplane at the accident site (provided by the Federal Aviation Administration), showed the airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway, and that the right main landing gear tire was intact and inflated. The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:56 EDT
Nearest AirportPrinceton (0nm W)
Runway28
Runway Length3499 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 28-140 140
Tail NumberN16491
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPeterson David J
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · None · None
Crew 2Age 19 · None
Crew 3Age 19 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC