N38205

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-32R-300S/N: 32R-7780403

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 8, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN11CA015
Location
Richmond, IN
Event ID
20101013X94624
Coordinates
39.756111, -84.842781
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's diverted attention to a landing gear indicator light that led to a loss of directional control and subsequent impact with terrain while taxiing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
32R-7780403
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
PA-32R-300P32R
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
7
FAA Model
PA-32R-300

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ALBRIGHT JOHN A
Address
1939 FARLOW RD
City
RICHMOND
State / Zip Code
IN 47374-9482
Country
United States

Analysis

During an after landing taxi on a closed and unbarricaded taxiway, the pilot noticed a flickering landing gear indicator light. When the pilot diverted his attention to the indicator light, the airplane veered off the closed taxiway and into a drainage ditch that was under construction adjacent to the taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the firewall, the right rear landing gear spar, and buckling of the right wing. The pilot was uninjured. A notice to airman (NOTAM) for the taxiway closure was issued and was also known by the pilot. The airport operations manager initially told Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors that there were no NOTAMs issued pertaining to the taxiway closure. Upon completion of the FAA's on-scene documentation, the airport manager was asked whether there was a NOTAM issued to which the airport operations manager stated that there was a NOTAM for general construction.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA015