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Runway Excursion Results in Landing Gear Collapse and Wing Damage (N957T)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, US

On August 1, 2002, a Piper PA-32R-301 (registration N957T) was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot in command failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll that resulted in a ground loop and the overload failure of the right main landing gear. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N957T
Aircraft registered N957T. Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During landing rollout, a private pilot's airplane veered left, and despite corrective rudder input, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing a 180-degree spin and wing damage.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, during the landing rollout, the airplane began to veer left as braking was applied. The pilot added right rudder to correct the veer, but the airplane continued turning left. The right main landing gear then collapsed, and the airplane spun approximately 180 degrees before coming to rest on the runway surface.

Aircraft Damage

Post-accident examination revealed significant side loading on the landing gear. Both the left and right main landing gear had collapsed to the left. The right wing sustained damage as a result of the landing gear collapse. Several tire marks were observed on the runway, ending at the point where the airplane came to rest.

The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the airplane before or during the accident sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Aug 2002 Piper PA-32R-301 accident near Ft. Lauderdale, FL?

During landing rollout, a private pilot's airplane veered left, and despite corrective rudder input, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing a 180-degree spin and wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Aug 2002 Piper PA-32R-301 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Aug 2002 involved a Piper PA-32R-301, registration N957T, at Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Pilot in command failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll that resulted in a ground loop and the overload failure of the right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020808X01325. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.