On November 28, 1999, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7243V) was involved in an aviation accident near Goldendale, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on a 30-foot-wide private airstrip, the aircraft bounced after initial touchdown. The pilot failed to maintain directional control, causing the left main gear to leave the runway and strike a rock, resulting in gear collapse and wing impact.
Incident Overview
During a landing attempt on a private airstrip measuring 30 feet in width, the aircraft bounced back into the air after contacting the runway surface. While airborne following the bounce, the pilot did not maintain directional control sufficient to keep the aircraft within the lateral boundaries of the runway during the subsequent touchdown.
Event Sequence
Upon the second touchdown, the left main landing gear was positioned off the runway surface. Shortly after the second touchdown, the left main wheel struck a rock located just off the left side of the runway. The impact with the rock caused the left main gear leg to collapse, and subsequently the left wing contacted the terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing.