Casualties unknown

2004-10-15: Piper PA-22 (N88390) — Reserve, LA

Reserve, LA, US

On October 15, 2004, a Piper PA-22 (registration N88390) was involved in an aviation accident near Reserve, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for the existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the strong crosswind. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After landing on runway 17, a pilot aborted a turn-off, swerved back to centerline, then experienced right wing and gear lift. Despite aileron input, the left gear collapsed, causing the left wing to strike the runway.

Incident Description

Following touchdown on runway 17, which is 4,000 feet long and 75 feet wide, the pilot initiated a left turn to exit the runway. However, he changed his mind and swerved the aircraft back toward the centerline to continue the landing roll. During this maneuver, the right wing and right main landing gear began to lift off the ground.

Attempted Correction

The pilot applied aileron input in an attempt to lower the right wing and gear, but before full control could be regained, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing then struck the runway surface.

Subsequent Movement

After the left gear collapsed and the wing contacted the ground, the aircraft initially continued straight down the runway. It then made a slow turn to the right, eventually coming to a stop with the propeller positioned just beyond the right edge of the runway.

Contributing Conditions

The aircraft was traveling at an estimated ground speed of 15 to 20 miles per hour when the wing lifted. A crosswind of 15 to 20 knots was blowing from the right side of the runway at the time of the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041028X01720. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.