On December 15, 1984, a Piper PA-28RT-201 (registration N2193Y) operated by EL Toro Marine Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Nucla, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing on an icy runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft veered left on an icy runway during landing, prompting the pilot to abort and shut down the engine before the nose gear collapsed in a snow bank.
What happened
The pilot reported that after touching down on the centerline of the runway, braking was applied immediately. However, the presence of ice on the surface caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side. Recognizing that the aircraft was departing the paved surface, the pilot initiated an abort procedure and secured the engine. The nose gear subsequently collapsed as the aircraft rolled into a snow bank located off the runway edge. Other aircraft landed safely shortly before and after this incident.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the icy runway conditions and the resulting loss of directional control. The pilot's decision to secure the engine was appropriate given the imminent departure from the runway surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing on an icy runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose gear collapse.
What happened in the 15 Dec 1984 Piper PA-28RT-201 accident near Nucla, CO?
Aircraft veered left on an icy runway during landing, prompting the pilot to abort and shut down the engine before the nose gear collapsed in a snow bank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Dec 1984 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201, registration N2193Y, operated by EL Toro Marine Aero Club, at Nucla, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing on an icy runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose gear collapse.
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