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November 16, 2017 · Piper PA 28R 200 · N5381F

Melborne, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 16, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Melborne, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA 28R 200 (1976)
Tail Number
N5381F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA053

According to the pilot, during an approach in the rain, there were wind gusts, and he retracted the flaps to zero. He noted that, "I decided to land a little faster than the preferred 75-80 mph." The pilot reported that the airplane "did not settle into a normal rollout." He recalled that a few seconds into the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane continued across the safety area and collided with a drainage culvert. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. Photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector showed three parallel rubber skid markings that began about 1,500 ft from the approach end of the runway. The markings began in the center of the runway and exhibited a sharp left turn that continued along a path through the safety area and stopped at the drainage culvert. The pilot reported that the left main landing gear assembly and tire failed during the landing roll. However, an examination of the landing gear assembly, wheel, and tire revealed that there were no mechanical anomalies or failures before the runway excursion. The METAR at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the rain was light, and the wind was from 010° at 12 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Attain/maintain not possible - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, during an approach in the rain, there were wind gusts and he retracted the flaps to zero. He noted that, "I decided to land a little faster than the preferred 75-80 mph." The pilot reported that the airplane, "did not settle into a normal rollout." He recalled that a few seconds into the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane continued across the safety area and collided with a drainage culvert. Photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aviation Safety Inspector assigned to the accident, revealed three parallel rubber skid markings that began about1,500ft from the approach end of runway 9R. The markings began in the center of the runway and exhibited a sharp left turn that continued along a path through the safety area and stopped at the drainage culvert. The pilot reported that the left main landing gear assembly and tire failed during the landing roll. However, an examination of the landing gear assembly, and the wheel and tire, by the FAA Maintenance Inspector, identified that there were no anomalies or failures prior to the runway excursion. The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the rain was light, and the wind was from 010° at 12kts. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:10 EST
Nearest AirportMelbourne Intl (0nm NW)
Runway09R
Runway Length10181 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28R 200
Tail NumberN5381F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 12 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingOvercast 3900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 63 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data