N9578C

On January 26, 2000, about 0950 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, N9578C, registered to Pompano Senior Squadron Flying Club, experienced a loss of directional control while taxiing after landing and collided with trees at Ocean Reef Club Airport, Ocean Reef Club, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 0910, from the Pompano Beach Airpark, Pompano Beach, Florida.

The pilot stated that while on the downwind leg for runway 04, he was advised by someone on UNICOM that the wind was gusting to 18 knots from 330 degrees. He continued the approach and while either turning onto the base leg or final approach, he heard the flightcrew of another airplane announce that they were 10 miles out. The flight landed uneventfully and rolled nearly 3/4 down the runway where he maneuvered near the right edge of the runway then made a 90-degree turn to the left and stopped. He looked for the Falcon airplane but did not see it, and made a second 90-degree turn and began taxiing down the runway. While taxiing with forward elevator input at a speed he later reported to be 4-5 miles per hour; he couldn't recall aileron input, the airplane suddenly turned to the left. He applied full right rudder input which failed to bring the airplane under control. The airplane collided with hedges adjacent to the south edge of the runway. The pilot also stated that after securing the engine, he advised the fixed-base operator to inform them of the situation, then secured the airplane.

Examination of the runway by an FAA inspector revealed that skid marks from both main landing gear of the Piper airplane were continuous for 45 feet to the point where the airplane exited the runway. They begin before a 10 foot by 12 foot discolored portion of the runway.

After temporary repairs were performed to the airplane which did not include repairs to the aircraft's brake system, a ferry permit was obtained to fly the airplane from the accident location to where the airplane was based. The pilot who flew the airplane on the ferry flight is a senior pilot with the flying club. He reported no discrepancies with the brakes during the taxi to takeoff, or after landing. Examination by him of the tires of the main landing gear revealed normal wear and no evidence of flat spots. Additionally, examination by him and the shop manager for the Pompano Air Center (PAC), of the fractured steering component and the securing bolts from the airplane revealed no evidence of a preexisting crack.

Review of a METAR weather observation from the Homestead Air Reserve base taken about 5 minutes after the accident indicates in part that the wind was from 360 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 21 knots. The accident airport is located approximately 155 degrees and 12 nautical miles from the Homestead Air Reserve Base.