N146SW

On April 28, 2005 about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-301, N146SW, registered to Fairway Systems LLC and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, lost directional control of the aircraft while on a touch-and-go landing at Hernando County Airport, Brooksville, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and passenger received no injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from the same airport, earlier that day, about 1330.

The pilot-in-command stated, she was practicing instrument approaches to runway 09 with a safety pilot. When the airplane approached an indicated altitude of about 700 feet, she removed the view-limiting device to transition from an instrument to a visual approach. Upon landing the pilot-in-command pushed the propeller lever forward and applied full engine power. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway onto grass terrain. The nose landing gear collapsed and the propeller struck the ground before coming to a full stop.

A licensed FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic inspected the airplane after the accident and stated the steering actuation system was properly connected, the flight controls operated normally, and the brake system functioned properly. There were no discrepancies found with the systems.