1995-08-14: Piper PA-32-301 — Togiak, AK

Casualties unknown • Togiak, AK, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE INTENDED POINT OF LANDING. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING AN APPROACH TO RUNWAY 30, HE INTENTIONALLY TRIED TO LAND OFF-CENTER TO AVOID A SOFT AREA; HOWEVER, THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED 'UNKNOWINGLY' TO THE LEFT. JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A GUST OR 'EDDY' AND ROLLED LEFT. THE LEFT WING DRAGGED IN TALL GRASS ON A SANDY BANK BESIDE THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE THEN TOUCHED DOWN AND VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY. THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED AND DAMAGED THE FIREWALL. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE WIND WAS BLOWING FROM THE WEST AT 17 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 21 KNOTS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-14 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Togiak, AK?

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING AN APPROACH TO RUNWAY 30, HE INTENTIONALLY TRIED TO LAND OFF-CENTER TO AVOID A SOFT AREA; HOWEVER, THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED 'UNKNOWINGLY' TO THE LEFT. JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A GUST OR 'EDDY' AND ROLLED LEFT. THE LEFT WING DRAGGED IN TALL GRASS ON A SANDY BANK…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-14 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N8212H, at Togiak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE INTENDED POINT OF LANDING. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITION.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04132. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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