On January 4, 1992, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8RJ) operated by Rattigan, Ronald was involved in an aviation accident near Young, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SOFT MUDDY RUNWAY CONDITIONS AT THE DIRT AIRSTRIP. 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.
An airplane landed on a muddy dirt airstrip after losing radio navigation signals in marginal VFR conditions. It exited the runway left and hit a berm, collapsing the nose gear.
Accident Overview
The aircraft arrived over the destination airport above an overcast layer. The pilot located a break in the overcast and descended under visual flight rules (VFR). Below the overcast, the pilot encountered marginal VFR conditions. Reliable radio navigation signals were lost, and the pilot chose to land at a dirt airstrip rather than continue flying in the marginal weather.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The dirt runway at the airstrip was muddy. During the landing, the airplane exited the runway to the left side. It then collided with a berm located on the runway shoulder. The impact collapsed the nose gear of the airplane.
Pilot's Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.
What happened in the 4 Jan 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Young, AZ?
An airplane landed on a muddy dirt airstrip after losing radio navigation signals in marginal VFR conditions. It exited the runway left and hit a berm, collapsing the nose gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jan 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jan 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8RJ, operated by Rattigan, Ronald, at Young, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SOFT MUDDY RUNWAY CONDITIONS AT THE DIRT AIRSTRIP.
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