N36402

Substantial
None

PIPER PA32RTS/N: 32R-7887041

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 10, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA342
Location
Sedona, AZ
Event ID
20100712X15100
Coordinates
34.842224, -111.786392
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’s failure to maintain runway alignment during approach and subsequent loss of directional control during landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N36402
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
32R-7887041
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA32RTP32R
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
RAD AVIATION LLC
Address
1537 DE ANZA WAY
Status
Deregistered
City
SAN JOSE
State / Zip Code
CA 95125-4434
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he had flown the approach at a shallow angle causing him to lose sight of the runway lighting system during the landing flare. During the flare the airplane drifted to the left resulting in the left main landing gear touching down in the dirt next to the runway. Subsequently the airplane veered to the left, and struck a runway sign. The pilot reported that he was unaware that he had struck the sign and was able to correct back to the center of the runway. The remainder of landing roll and taxi were uneventful. The damage to the underside of the left wing and the sign was not found until the following day. The pilot reported that there were no known mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA342