On October 23, 1997, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N8203P) was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. No fatalities were reported. 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Oct 1997 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Fullerton, CA?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Oct 1997 Piper PA-24-250 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Oct 1997 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N8203P, at Fullerton, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
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.
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