On February 18, 2005, a Piper PA-22 (registration N1476A) operated by Alan Lee Lyons was involved in an aviation accident near Holly Ridge, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The CFI's improper use of the rudder control and normal braking during the landing roll that resulted in the collapse of the nose gear assembly. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A training flight at Top Sail Airpark, North Carolina, ended with a nose gear collapse and right wing strike after the aircraft failed to stop on the runway. The CFI reported strong winds and a midfield touchdown.
Background
A training flight experienced a landing roll incident at Top Sail Airpark in Top Sail, North Carolina.
Sequence of Events
According to the certified flight instructor (CFI) on board, the flight had departed Top Sail Airpark for a short engine break-in flight. Upon returning to land, the CFI noted strong wind conditions and elected to land with additional airspeed. The aircraft floated down the runway and touched down approximately midfield. The CFI instructed the student pilot to apply the brakes, and the student indicated that he was doing so. Realizing that the aircraft would not stop before the end of the runway, the CFI turned the airplane to the left toward a small field. Simultaneously, the student pilot applied left rudder.
Damage
During the maneuver, the nose gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the wing.