N821GS

Substantial
None

Piper PA-34-200TS/N: 34-7770419

Accident Details

Date
Monday, January 1, 2007
NTSB Number
DEN07CA046
Location
Walden, CO
Event ID
20070207X00152
Coordinates
40.750000, -106.271385
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot experiencing lateral flight control stiffness for undetermined reasons and the pilot's intentional wheels up landing. Factors were the snow covered and rough/uneven terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N821GS
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
34-7770419
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
PA-34-200TPA34
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
TETON LEASING LLC
Address
1483 FLIGHTLINE
Status
Deregistered
City
POCATELLO
State / Zip Code
ID 83204-7550
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane was in cruise flight at 12,500 feet. The pilot disengaged the autopilot to maneuver over the mountains. He then pressed the trim-disengage button on the control yoke and shortly afterward, the airplane began rolling to the left and right. The pilot steadied the airplane with the rudder. He then began a 1/2 standard rate left turn. When he went to roll the airplane right, he said that the flight controls were difficult to manipulate. He attempted additional turns and found the that problem continued. The pilot changed airspeed and found the problem increased with reduced airspeed. After that, he declared an emergency with air traffic control, began a descent, and proceeded to the nearest airport. The pilot said he was unable to locate the airport so he elected to perform a wheels up landing on a snow-covered field. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the inboard left wing and the bottom left side of the forward fuselage. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that could explain the stiff controls.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN07CA046