On May 18, 1992, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N15619) operated by Ken D. Epperly was involved in an aviation accident near Osage City, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE ROUGH/UNEVEN RUNWAY SURFACE AND THE INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE RUNWAY SURFACE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane veered left after a light hopping touchdown and struck ditches and a road. The runway had shallow depressions and wavy ruts according to the airport manager.
Accident Overview
During a landing in calm to very light wind conditions, the airplane touched down on its main landing gear. The pilot reported that after touchdown, the airplane began 'hopping lightly.' Shortly thereafter, the airplane veered sharply to the left and collided with two ditches and a road located approximately 30 feet from the runway edge.
Runway Condition
The airport manager stated that the 40-foot-wide runway has 1/2 to 1 inch depressions on its surface. He also noted that shallow, wavy ruts run the entire length of the runway. According to the manager, another airplane experienced the same type of accident about two months earlier.
What happened in the 18 May 1992 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Osage City, KS?
An airplane veered left after a light hopping touchdown and struck ditches and a road. The runway had shallow depressions and wavy ruts according to the airport manager.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 May 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N15619, operated by Ken D. Epperly, at Osage City, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE ROUGH/UNEVEN RUNWAY SURFACE AND THE INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE RUNWAY SURFACE.
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