On January 21, 2005, a Piper PA-20 (registration N1535A) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Wind gusts and the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a three-point landing on runway 11, a gust of wind from the left raised the left wing and moved the aircraft right. The pilot lost directional control, the aircraft exited the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed on soft ground, and the right wing contacted the runway, damaging the wing spar.
Event Details
The pilot reported that during the three-point landing on runway 11, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind from the left side. This gust raised the left wing and moved the aircraft to the right. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control despite applying corrections with rudder, aileron, and braking action. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway surface.
Damage
After exiting the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed when the aircraft traveled over the soft surface. The right wing then contacted the runway surface, resulting in damage to the wing spar.
Weather Conditions
The current surface observation at the time of the incident reported wind from 50 degrees at seven knots. Visibility was 10 miles and clear.