Runway excursion and fire after touchdown on runway 26

Casualties unknown • Greenville, NC, US

Aircraft veered right upon landing, striking a sign and rupturing the fuel tank before sliding into an intersecting runway and catching fire.

What happened

During the landing phase on runway 26, the airplane deviated to the right immediately after touchdown. In an effort to regain altitude and airspeed, the pilot advanced the engine throttle to full power. The right wing then struck a runway sign located to the right of the runway centerline, which resulted in the rupture of the right wing fuel tank.

Following the impact, the pilot reduced the throttle and attempted to land on the grass area adjacent to the intersecting runway 20. The aircraft slid across this intersection, causing the right wing to ignite. The airplane eventually stopped approximately 1000 feet to the right of the centerline of runway 20.

The investigation

The pilot reported that the initial deviation occurred upon touchdown. The sequence of events involved a full throttle application followed by contact with ground infrastructure. The rupture of the right wing tank was confirmed as the source of the subsequent fire.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent fuel tank rupture.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-08-04 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Greenville, NC?

Aircraft veered right upon landing, striking a sign and rupturing the fuel tank before sliding into an intersecting runway and catching fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-08-04 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N6JH, operated by Steven Krpata, at Greenville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent fuel tank rupture.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030808X01295. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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