Pilot loses control during landing rollout on uneven terrain

Casualties unknown • Mcconnelsville, OH, US

A light aircraft departed the runway left side after excessive rudder input and braking during landing, striking uneven ground with no injuries reported.

What happened

During the landing phase of flight, the aircraft began to drift toward the right side of the runway. In response to this deviation, the pilot applied a significant amount of left rudder input. Subsequently, the pilot engaged the brakes, which caused the airplane to depart from the left side of the paved surface. The aircraft then collided with uneven terrain adjacent to the runway.

The investigation

Post-accident review of the pilot's qualifications revealed a total flight experience of 57 hours. Of this total, only 3 hours were logged in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The pilot had not flown for one year prior to the incident. Within the 24-hour period preceding the accident, the pilot flew approximately 3 hours.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the event included excessive left rudder input during the landing rollout and the subsequent departure from the runway environment. The limited recent experience in the specific aircraft type may have played a role in the handling of the drift correction.

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive left rudder input during landing, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and striking uneven terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-06-30 Piper J3C-65 accident near Mcconnelsville, OH?

A light aircraft departed the runway left side after excessive rudder input and braking during landing, striking uneven ground with no injuries reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-30 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N35545, at Mcconnelsville, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive left rudder input during landing, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and striking uneven terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020712X01099. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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