N3020M

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-44-180S/N: 44-7995220

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 26, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA486
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Event ID
20110909X05142
Coordinates
39.168334, -77.165832
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 decision to continue taxiing with restricted windshield visibility.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
44-7995220
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
PA-44-180PA44
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-44-180

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WIFA (WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ACADEMY) LLC
Address
7940 AIRPARK RD
City
GAITHERSBURG
State / Zip Code
MD 20879-4176
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was taxiing to the active runway for takeoff, when the windshield started to fog and he missed the left turn to the runway. The airplane exited the taxiway onto a grassy area, and the pilot then turned left; however, the airplane began to slide down a hill. The airplane's right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing impacted the ground, which resulted in damage to the right wing spar. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He reported 1,400 hours of total flight experience, which included 96 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA486