On August 19, 1984, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N6480J) operated by Dallas L Harris was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Worth, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a narrow runway with a crosswind and an obstruction on the opposite side, resulting in a collision with a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing on a narrow runway with a left crosswind, the pilot favored the left side due to parked aircraft. The plane drifted off the left edge and collided with a ditch during the rollout.
What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was attempting to land on a narrow runway measuring only 25 feet in width. A significant factor in the incident was the presence of another aircraft parked in close proximity to the right side of the runway. Due to this obstruction, combined with a crosswind blowing from the left, the pilot adjusted the landing alignment to favor the left side of the available pavement.
During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side. The pilot was unable to arrest this lateral movement before the aircraft departed the paved surface. Upon leaving the runway, the aircraft collided with a ditch located adjacent to the left edge.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a narrow runway with a crosswind and an obstruction on the opposite side, resulting in a collision with a ditch.
What happened in the 19 Aug 1984 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Fort Worth, TX?
During landing on a narrow runway with a left crosswind, the pilot favored the left side due to parked aircraft. The plane drifted off the left edge and collided with a ditch during the rollout.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Aug 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N6480J, operated by Dallas L Harris, at Fort Worth, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a narrow runway with a crosswind and an obstruction on the opposite side, resulting in a collision with a ditch.
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