Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Left During Landing Rollout in Crosswind Conditions (N8203P)

Fullerton, CA, US

On October 23, 1997, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N8203P) was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve and subsequent damage to the airplane. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout in a quartering left crosswind of 12 knots, an aircraft veered left despite pilot inputs of right rudder and brake. Tire skid marks indicate the deviation from the runway centerline.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported that the landing was routine through touchdown. A quartering left crosswind at 12 knots was present. During the rollout, the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot was unable to keep the aircraft on the runway despite applying right rudder and brake control.

Runway Evidence

Tire skid marks were observed on the runway. The marks made by the nose wheel and right main tires began approximately 1,000 feet from the landing threshold. About 500 feet further along the runway, the left main tire mark became visible as the marks angled toward the left edge of the runway. The marks from the right and left main gear converged at the left edge of the runway approximately 200 feet further along the runway.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted to correct the veer with right rudder and brake inputs, but these were insufficient to maintain directional control on the runway surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09063. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.