Summary
On June 04, 2014, a Piper PA 32-260 (N3FN) was involved in an incident near Lebanon, OH. All 4 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing which resulted in a runway excursion.
The pilot reported he encountered wind gusts and turbulence on final approach to the runway but stated the air became calm approximately 300 feet above the ground. During the flare, as the wheels touched down, the pilot stated he encountered a gust of wind that caused the airplane to veer left off the runway with the left main wheel traveling into the grass. The pilot initiated a go-around; however, the airplane did not gain altitude and the pilot "lost control of the airplane." The airplane veered right, crossed the runway and travelled up an embankment. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN14CA285. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3FN.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing which resulted in a runway excursion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported he encountered wind gusts and turbulence on final approach to the runway but stated the air became calm approximately 300 feet above the ground. During the flare, as the wheels touched down, the pilot stated he encountered a gust of wind that caused the airplane to veer left off the runway with the left main wheel traveling into the grass. The pilot initiated a go-around; however, the airplane did not gain altitude and the pilot "lost control of the airplane." The airplane veered right, crossed the runway and travelled up an embankment. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. A post-accident examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
In the pilot's written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board he noted that the accident might have been prevented if he focused on maintaining control of the airplane after touch down and not attempted a go-around, or made the decision to go-around sooner.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA285