Casualties unknown

1999-03-17: Piper PA-44-180 (N106BM) — Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ, US

On March 17, 1999, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N106BM) was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged landing flare resulting in a hard touchdown, and, his failure to adequately compensate for the existing crosswind condition and to maintain directional control during rollout on the wet 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

A multiengine airplane flared high, touched down hard, veered right, and collapsed landing gear after rolling over a culvert. The pilot cited lack of crosswind correction, tailwind, hydroplaning, and failure to go around.

Event Description

Ground witnesses observed the airplane flare out high and then touch down hard without bouncing. After touchdown, the airplane initially rolled down the runway before veering to the right. It subsequently rolled over a culvert, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear and the nose gear. Additional structural damage to the airframe was also noted.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the incident, the runway was wet due to light rain, with no standing water present. The wind was reported as 220 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot reported to a responding airport employee that the runway was “slick.”

Pilot Information

The pilot was employed as a full-time flight instructor. Four days prior to the incident, he had passed a flight check for the multiengine flight instructor certificate. His total multiengine flying experience was approximately 60 hours, and his experience in the accident airplane was about 6 hours.

Pilot Statement

In a written note addressed to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot stated: “NTSB, lack of crosswind correction, tailwind, hydroplaning, failure to timely go around.”

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.