Casualties unknown

1998-04-26: Piper PA-20 (N7458K) — Arlington, WA

Arlington, WA, US

On April 26, 1998, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7458K) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, and his delayed remedial action when the aircraft started to drift off the side of the runway. 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, a tailwheel aircraft's left main gear lifted off, causing the aircraft to veer left and exit the runway, where the right main gear was torn off after digging into soft terrain.

Incident Overview

A tailwheel aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing after an asymmetrical gear touchdown. The left main landing gear lifted off the runway following touchdown on both main gear, leaving only the right main gear in contact with the surface.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft continued to roll forward with only the right main gear touching the ground, it began to veer toward the left edge of the runway. The pilot applied remedial rudder inputs in an attempt to correct the deviation, but the corrective action was not executed in time to prevent the aircraft from exiting the side of the runway.

Post-Excursion Damage

Upon leaving the paved surface, the right main gear contacted soft terrain adjacent to the runway. The gear dug into the soft ground, resulting in structural failure as it was torn from the fuselage.

Pilot Actions

The pilot's rudder inputs were documented as being applied after the aircraft began to veer. However, the timing of these inputs was insufficient to keep the aircraft within the runway boundaries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09963. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.