N1424A

Substantial
None

Piper PA-22S/N: 22-338

Accident Details

Date
Monday, March 10, 2008
NTSB Number
DEN08CA063
Location
Nickerson, KS
Event ID
20080414X00470
Coordinates
38.145000, -98.083610
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in a departure from the runway environment. Contributing to the accident was the soft runway surface.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
22-338
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1951
Model / ICAO
PA-22PA22
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-22

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
STACEY STEVE L
Address
1515 LINDA LN
City
HUTCHINSON
State / Zip Code
KS 67502-2615
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the accident report form submitted by the pilot, during the landing roll to a private dirt strip, the airplane began to veer off the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder; however, the airplane continued to the left. The airplane departed the landing environment and nosed over. The leading edge of both wings was crushed aft, the fabric wrinkled, several ribs were broken, and the firewall was wrinkled. The top portion of the rudder was crushed down. The pilot observed tracks on the ground "where the left tire was dragging like it had locked up." The pilot stated that the airplane does not have differential brakes. In addition, he reported that the master cylinder for the brake system is located a few inches above the exhaust muffler. He reported that when the cylinder is hot, it will result in the brakes dragging.

An airworthiness inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration conducted an examination of the airplane systems, to include the flight controls, wheels and brakes. An examination of these systems revealed no anomalies. The inspector reported that the runway surface and shoulder were "very soft." Pictures of the runway environment revealed ruts from previous takeoffs and landings and the accident flight. The inspector reported that the ruts from the accident flight revealed the airplane touched down left of the centerline on 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# DEN08CA063