N2988R

On November 25, 1998, at 1839 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-R200, N2988R, was substantially damaged when it swerved off the runway during a full stop landing and impacted the VASI lights. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Lansing, Michigan, en route to the Flying Cloud Airport, Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan had been filed.

The pilot reported that she initiated the flare over the numbers of runway 27L. She reported the "nose alignment drifted slightly left." She reported the left main gear touched down first and then the right main gear shortly after. The nose gear touched down 3 to 5 seconds after the right main gear. The pilot reported the airplane "...continued landing roll for less than 2 seconds after nose gear touched down before all steering was lost. Plane swerved hard left and initiated aircraft skidding with right side of aircraft turned slightly." The right wingtip struck the VASI support stand, and the airplane spun 90 degrees clockwise before stopping. The pilot reported the VASI light fell on the right wing and collapsed the right main gear.

The damage to the airplane included the right main gear was collapsed and punched through the wing spar.