On August 23, 1997, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7682H) was involved in an aviation accident near Spencerport, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane, while landing. The crosswind was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a three-point landing on a turf runway, the airplane drifted left. The pilot attempted a rejected landing but the airplane exited the runway into rough terrain, collapsing the right main landing gear.
Event Description
A pilot executed a three-point landing on a turf runway, heading south. The wind was reported from the west at 7 knots. After touchdown, the airplane began to drift left. The pilot attempted to correct the drift but was unable to do so.
Landing and Drift
To counter the leftward movement, the pilot added power to initiate a rejected landing. However, the airplane continued to drift off the runway into rough terrain. The pilot then closed the throttle, and the airplane came to rest off the left side of the runway.
Outcome
Upon stopping, the right main landing gear was found collapsed under the fuselage. The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear as a result of the terrain encounter.