Casualties unknown

Airplane Swerves Off Runway During Rollout After Landing (N33532)

Mansfield, MA, US

On October 28, 2003, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N33532) was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing rollout due to his left foot slipping under the rudder pedal, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

During the rollout phase after landing, the pilot lost control of the rudder when his foot slipped beneath the pedal, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike a berm.

What happened

The incident occurred during the ground roll immediately following touchdown. As the airplane was decelerating on the runway, it began to swerve toward the right side of the pavement. In an effort to correct the deviation and maintain directional control, the pilot applied pressure to the left rudder pedal.

During this corrective maneuver, a mechanical failure of foot placement occurred. The pilot's left foot slipped off the top of the rudder pedal and became trapped underneath it. While the pilot was attempting to reposition his foot onto the pedal to regain control, the aircraft continued its trajectory to the right.

Unable to stop the momentum, the airplane departed the paved surface of the runway. It traveled across the grassy area adjacent to the pavement and impacted a berm located on the right side of the runway environment.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing rollout due to his left foot slipping under the rudder pedal, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Oct 2003 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Mansfield, MA?

During the rollout phase after landing, the pilot lost control of the rudder when his foot slipped beneath the pedal, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike a berm.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Oct 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N33532, at Mansfield, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing rollout due to his left foot slipping under the rudder pedal, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031120X01929. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.