Casualties unknown

Nose Wheel Failure Leads to Runway Excursion and Right Main Gear Collapse (N6867P)

Ogden, UT, US

On June 14, 2004, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6867P) operated by Utah Aircraft Alliance was involved in an aviation accident near Ogden, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fracture and subsequent total failure of the nose gear strut. A contributing factor was the pilot not being able to control the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After a normal landing, the airplane jerked left, became airborne, then veered left off the runway. The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing buckled. Post-accident examination revealed a broken nose wheel fork and scissors.

Event Description

The pilot reported making a normal landing. After the wheels had been on the ground for about 3 to 4 seconds, the airplane "jerked to the left and became airborne." The pilot added a little power "to keep the nose wheel from bouncing." When the airplane touched back down, the pilot reduced power and began applying "small amounts of right rudder, but the plane would not turn to the right. The plane kept turning to the left and I had no control over it." The airplane departed the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing subsequently struck the ground and was dragged through the dirt, resulting in buckling of the right wing and firewall.

Aircraft Examination

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the nose wheel fork and scissors had broken. The fracture pattern was consistent with an "overload bending fracture." Additionally, S-shaped skid marks were observed on the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040706X00911. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.