Casualties unknown

1996-06-03: Piper PA60-601P (N86AT) — Willard, OH

Willard, OH, US

On June 3, 1996, a Piper PA60-601P (registration N86AT) was involved in an aviation accident near Willard, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare/touchdown. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing approach at 35 feet, the airplane yawed left; pilot lost directional control, touched down in a right skid, resulting in landing gear failure. An 11 mph left quartering headwind was reported.

Incident Overview

During the approach to land at the destination airport, the pilot reported that the airplane experienced a rapid left yaw when it was approximately 35 feet above the ground. The pilot was unable to regain directional control or execute a go-around maneuver. The airplane subsequently touched down on the runway in a right skid, which caused the landing gear to fail, according to the pilot's statement.

Environmental Conditions

A police report indicated that at the time of the accident, the wind was from the left at 11 mph, with a quartering headwind component relative to the active runway.

Sequence of Events

The pilot noted that during the final approach, the airplane yawed abruptly to the left. Efforts to correct the yaw and maintain control were unsuccessful. The airplane landed in a skidding attitude, placing lateral loads on the landing gear that led to its failure. No further details regarding the subsequent circumstances were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06006. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.