No fatalities

Pilot Reports Off-Center Landing Attempt Leads to Runway Excursion and Nose Gear Collapse (N8212H)

Togiak, AK, US

On August 14, 1995, a Piper PA-32-301 (registration N8212H) was involved in an aviation accident near Togiak, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot intentionally tried to land off-center on runway 30 to avoid a soft area, but the airplane drifted left, encountered a gust, and the left wing struck tall grass. After touchdown, it veered off, collapsing the nose gear and damaging the firewall.

Incident Overview

During an approach to runway 30, the pilot reported intentionally attempting an off-center landing to avoid a soft area on the runway surface. 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 then dragged in tall grass on a sandy bank beside the runway. Subsequently, the airplane touched down and veered off the runway. The nose gear collapsed, resulting in damage to the firewall.

Wind Conditions

The pilot stated that the wind was blowing from the west at 17 knots with gusts to 21 knots.

Aircraft Damage

The nose gear collapsed and the firewall was damaged. No other damage was reported in the source.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported the intentional off-center landing attempt and the subsequent drift and gust encounter. No further actions or decisions were described.

Frequently asked questions

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

A pilot intentionally tried to land off-center on runway 30 to avoid a soft area, but the airplane drifted left, encountered a gust, and the left wing struck tall grass. After touchdown, it veered off, collapsing the nose gear and damaging the firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Aug 1995 Piper PA-32-301 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Aug 1995 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.