On August 17, 1983, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N81287) operated by Flying Country Club was involved in an aviation accident near San Jose, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft swerving off the runway and striking a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Piper PA-28-181 experienced a hard landing on the middle third of the runway, followed by a loss of directional control that led to a collision with a tree near San Jose.
What happened
The pilot reported that her approach for landing was excessively high and fast, which resulted in a touchdown on the middle third of the runway. During the roll-out, she applied brakes to slow down, but the aircraft swerved off the south side of the runway. Subsequently, it struck a tree, then came to rest next to a stump and a rise in the terrain.
The investigation
The pilot reported that the wind was calm at the airport. Approximately 25 miles west at the San Jose Muni ARPT, the 1545 PDT wind was from 320 degrees at 9 knots.
Findings
High and fast approach
Touchdown on middle third of runway
Loss of directional control during roll-out
Collision with tree
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft swerving off the runway and striking a tree.
What happened in the 17 Aug 1983 Piper PA-28-161 accident near San Jose, CA?
A Piper PA-28-181 experienced a hard landing on the middle third of the runway, followed by a loss of directional control that led to a collision with a tree near San Jose.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Aug 1983 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N81287, operated by Flying Country Club, at San Jose, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft swerving off the runway and striking a tree.
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