On December 5, 1992, a Piper PA-32-301T (registration N8339X) operated by Barber, David D. was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTION CONTROL DURING THE LANDING TOUCHDOWN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE RUNWAY SAFETY AREA BY AIRPORT PERSONNEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While landing in a right crosswind, an airplane touched down on both main gears sequentially. As the pilot lowered the nose gear, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, crossed a ditch, and came to rest 75 feet left of centerline. The pilot had 5.2 hours in the make and model. No mechanical failures were reported.
Accident Details
While landing in a right crosswind, the airplane touched down first on the right main landing gear and then on the left main landing gear. As the pilot lowered the nose gear, the airplane veered to the left and exited the runway. It crossed a ditch located in the runway safety area and came to rest approximately 75 feet left of the runway centerline. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Pilot Information
The pilot had recently purchased the airplane. In the 30 days preceding the accident, the pilot had accumulated a total of 5.2 flight hours in the same make and model of airplane.
Runway Safety Area
The ditch was situated within the runway safety area. The runway safety area is 300 feet wide, centered on the runway, and is designed to accommodate the occasional passage of an airplane without causing substantial damage.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Dec 1992 Piper PA-32-301T accident near Auburn, CA?
While landing in a right crosswind, an airplane touched down on both main gears sequentially. As the pilot lowered the nose gear, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, crossed a ditch, and came to rest 75 feet left of centerline. The pilot had 5.2 hours in the make and model. No mechanical failures were…
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Dec 1992 Piper PA-32-301T accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Dec 1992 involved a Piper PA-32-301T, registration N8339X, operated by Barber, David D., at Auburn, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTION CONTROL DURING THE LANDING TOUCHDOWN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE RUNWAY SAFETY AREA BY AIRPORT PERSONNEL.