On February 4, 1995, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9905T) operated by Theodore W. Aronson was involved in an aviation accident near Rosamond, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. SOFT TERRAIN BESIDE THE RUNWAY WAS A RELATED FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported that the airplane swerved when the nosewheel touched the runway, then exited onto soft terrain and nosed over. Ground witnesses noted the nosewheel was not aligned before touchdown. No preexisting mechanical failure was found; the pilot held an expired medical certificate and reported having Parkinson's disease.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane swerved as the nosewheel touched the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft departed the runway surface, entered soft terrain adjacent to the runway, and nosed over. Ground witnesses stated that the nosewheel was not aligned with the runway before touchdown.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft found no preexisting malfunctions or failures. No mechanical issues were identified that could have contributed to the event.
Pilot Background
The pilot's medical certificate had expired approximately 10 years before the accident. The pilot reported that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.