Casualties unknown

2002-03-07: Piper PA-28R-180 (N800RC) — Coalinga, CA

Coalinga, CA, US

On March 7, 2002, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N800RC) was involved in an aviation accident near Coalinga, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. The crosswind was a contributing factor. 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 an aborted landing attempt, an airplane veered off the runway into a broccoli field, resulting in landing gear collapse after encountering the soft furrowed terrain.

Incident Overview

An airplane experienced a landing gear collapse after veering off the runway and entering a broccoli field during an aborted landing attempt. The pilot had been applying left rudder correction to compensate for an existing crosswind. Upon initial touchdown, the airplane swerved to the left side of the runway.

Aborted Landing Sequence

After the swerve, the pilot added full power and initiated an aborted landing. However, realizing that a successful takeoff was not possible, the pilot closed the throttle and the airplane proceeded into a broccoli field. The soft, furrowed surface of the field caused the landing gear to collapse.

Outcome

The landing gear collapsed as a result of the encounter with the soft furrowed field. No further details about the aircraft or occupants are provided in the source.

Conclusion

The source does not specify a probable cause for the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020313X00339. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.