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Twin-Engine Airplane Skids Off Runway 31 After Loss of Directional Control During Downwind Landing (N572AS)

Galveston, TX, US

On March 16, 2004, a Piper PA-30 (registration N572AS) was involved in an aviation accident near Galveston, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A factor was the pilot's failure to evaluate the wind, prior to landing downwind. 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

A twin-engine airplane veered off runway 31 and into an embankment after the pilot reported a loss of directional control during a downwind landing. The aircraft slid approximately 350 feet.

Accident Details

A twin-engine airplane skidded off runway 31 following a loss of directional control while landing downwind. The aircraft slid for approximately 350 feet and veered off the right side of the runway into an embankment.

Pilot Report

The 580-hour pilot reported that the final approach was "normal." As the aircraft touched down on runway 31, the main landing gear made contact first, followed by the nose landing gear. After the nose wheel touched down, the airplane immediately began to feel "squirrelly," and inputs to the rudder "seemed" to be ineffective. The pilot stated that the brakes "locked up."

Wind Conditions

Winds at the airport at the time of the accident were reported from 130 degrees at 7 knots.

Aircraft Examination

Flight control continuity was established and no anomalies were found with the airframe.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Mar 2004 Piper PA-30 accident near Galveston, TX?

A twin-engine airplane veered off runway 31 and into an embankment after the pilot reported a loss of directional control during a downwind landing. The aircraft slid approximately 350 feet.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Mar 2004 Piper PA-30 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Mar 2004 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N572AS, at Galveston, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A factor was the pilot's failure to evaluate the wind, prior to landing downwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040319X00342. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.