N3779T

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28R-180S/N: 28R-30091

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, March 15, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA232
Location
Dover, TN
Event ID
20120319X42518
Coordinates
36.400833, -87.991668
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 failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with an object and a landing gear collapse during the subsequent landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28R-30091
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1967
Model / ICAO
PA-28R-180P28R
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28R-180

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SHULTZ MARTIN
Address
1521 TREELINE CT
City
NAPERVILLE
State / Zip Code
IL 60565-2010
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was performing a takeoff on runway 25, a 2,560-foot-long, 30-foot-wide, turf runway. During the takeoff roll, about the time of rotation, a gust of wind forced the airplane left into a stack of tires that marked the runway boundary. The pilot completed the takeoff; however, the left main landing gear had sustained damage during the impact with the tires. The pilot subsequently returned and landed on the same runway. During the landing, the left side of the airplane settled onto the ground due to the damaged left main landing gear, which resulted in ground contact with the left wing and horizontal stabilizer. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The recorded wind at an airport located approximately 30 miles northeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 250 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA232