On November 7, 1985, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N11RJ) operated by Joseph A. Sharpe was involved in an aviation accident near St.petersburg, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land an aircraft that was significantly overweight, combined with a long landing in crosswind conditions, which led to the failure of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft landed overweight on a short runway in crosswind conditions, resulting in a runway excursion and failure of the right main landing gear.
What happened
The pilot loaded the aircraft with 100 pounds of fuel, his own weight, and five passengers for a short local flight. After departing, the aircraft landed approximately 15 minutes later at a location with a 2800-foot runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft was found to be 382 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit. The landing occurred in crosswind conditions and resulted in the aircraft touching down long on the available runway surface.
Following the landing, the aircraft skidded off the left side of the runway near the end of the paved surface. During this excursion, the right main landing gear failed, causing significant damage to the airframe and undercarriage structure.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land an aircraft that was significantly overweight, combined with a long landing in crosswind conditions, which led to the failure of the right main landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Nov 1985 Piper PA-34-200T accident near St.petersburg, FL?
A light aircraft landed overweight on a short runway in crosswind conditions, resulting in a runway excursion and failure of the right main landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Nov 1985 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N11RJ, operated by Joseph A. Sharpe, at St.petersburg, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land an aircraft that was significantly overweight, combined with a long landing in crosswind conditions, which led to the failure of the right main landing gear.
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