Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, while landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind was a related factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On October 21, 1996, approximately 1521 mountain daylight time, N3461A, a Piper PA-22, sustained substantial damage when the main landing gear collapsed after the pilot lost directional control while landing. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. No flight plan was filed for the flight, which had originated from Ogden, Utah. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. There was no report of the ELT actuating.
On touchdown on runway 3, approximately 1600 feet from the approach end, the right wing was observed to be high. The aircraft leveled out and skidded off the left side of the runway. Winds at the time were about 310 degrees at 10 knots. According to the pilot's written statement, on landing rollout the aircraft started to veer to the left; right rudder and brake were applied, the right landing gear failed, and the aircraft slid to a stop on the left side of the runway.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA97LA018