Casualties unknown

1985-04-04: Piper PA-34-200 (N1071U) — Concord, NC

Concord, NC, US

On April 4, 1985, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N1071U) was involved in an aviation accident near Concord, NC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing at a private airstrip with obstructions bounced multiple times and overran the runway, intentionally ground looping the aircraft. Post-accident inspection found spongy brake pedals and a discolored left brake pad.

Approach and Landing

The pilot reported that the destination private airport had a unidirectional strip with high obstructions on both ends. Obstacles, runway slope, and noise abatement considerations required the use of runway 4 for landings. At 1351 EST, the wind at Charlotte, NC, was reported from 220 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 27 knots. During arrival at Concord, the final approach was flown at 100 mph.

A witness reported that the aircraft touched down approximately 1,350 feet from the approach end of the runway, then bounced two or three times. The pilot was unable to stop on the runway and intentionally ground looped the aircraft after traveling beyond the departure end.

Brake and Directional Control

The pilot stated that the left brake was not working sufficiently and that he used rudder and differential power for directional control. Skid marks were found starting about 2,000 feet from the approach end of the runway. The calculated stopping distance for the conditions was 2,711 feet; the aircraft had touched down with about 2,050 feet of runway remaining.

Post-Accident Inspection

When checked after the accident, the brake pedals felt spongy. The left brake pad was discolored blue.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36082. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.