No fatalities

Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Touch-and-Go Landing (N15013)

Winston Salem, NC, US

On February 12, 1997, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N15013) operated by Mark L. Palmer was involved in an aviation accident near Winston Salem, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional cntrol of the airplane, which resulted in a ground swerve and collapse of the right main landing gear. The crosswind was a related factor. 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

During a touch-and-go landing on runway 4, the airplane veered right after touchdown, collapsing the right main landing gear and damaging the right wing spar. The pilot reported brake difficulty, but no mechanical issues were found.

Incident Overview

A touch-and-go landing on runway 4 resulted in the airplane veering off the right side of the runway shortly after touchdown. The subsequent uncontrolled movement led to the collapse of the right main landing gear and damage to the right wing spar.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, during the landing roll he experienced difficulty with the brakes. This contributed to the airplane veering off the runway into a grassy area adjacent to the runway.

Weather Conditions

Weather data indicated that the prevailing wind at the time was from 320 degrees at 7 knots.

Post-Incident Examination

An examination of the airplane's brake system failed to disclose any mechanical problems. The exact cause of the veer-off was not determined from the available information.

Damage Assessment

The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing spar sustained damage. The extent of other damage was not reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Feb 1997 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Winston Salem, NC?

During a touch-and-go landing on runway 4, the airplane veered right after touchdown, collapsing the right main landing gear and damaging the right wing spar. The pilot reported brake difficulty, but no mechanical issues were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 1997 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Feb 1997 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N15013, operated by Mark L. Palmer, at Winston Salem, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional cntrol of the airplane, which resulted in a ground swerve and collapse of the right main landing gear. The crosswind was a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07380. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.