Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Landing Roll-Out (N7401P)

Prescott, AZ, US

On April 22, 2002, a Piper PA24-250 (registration N7401P) was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll-out, the airplane veered right off the runway, struck a runway light and a wooden building, collapsing the nose gear and tearing off the right main gear. The pilot had limited recent flying experience.

Accident Sequence

The airplane veered off the runway during the landing roll-out, collided with obstacles, and the landing gear collapsed. On touchdown, the airplane began drifting to the right. The pilot applied left rudder but was unable to correct the right drift before the airplane left the pavement on the right side. The airplane first impacted a runway light, then the right wing struck a small wooden building. The impact collapsed the nose gear and tore the right main gear out of the right wing structure.

Pilot Information

The pilot had lost his medical certificate in 1972 and regained it in August 2001. He had flown approximately 15 hours since that time.

Mechanical Examination

No mechanical malfunctions were noted with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020422X00570. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.