Runway excursion and aircraft fire following landing

Casualties unknown • Broomfield, CO, US

An aircraft impacted a runway in a left-wing low attitude, resulting in gear collapse and a post-impact fire that destroyed the plane.

What happened

During the landing phase at the airport, witnesses observed an aircraft appearing to overshoot the runway and turn back, with one observer noting the wings rocking back and forth. The air traffic controller cleared the aircraft to make a short approach to runway 29R, a clearance which the pilot acknowledged.

Airport surveillance video showed the aircraft impacting the runway in a left-wing low attitude. Upon impact, the left main landing gear collapsed, followed by the nose and right main landing gear. The aircraft then departed the right side of the runway and slid sideways on its belly. During the excursion, the aircraft struck a runway/taxiway sign, which led to a post-impact fire that destroyed the airplane. There were no fatalities or injuries reported in this instance.

Weather conditions at 12:25 involved winds from 140 degrees at 7 knots according to the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS). However, Lidar data and ATIS information indicated variations in wind direction and speed. Specifically, Lidar measurements showed winds from 110 degrees at 6 knots with occasional gusts to 11 knots. Analysis of the Lidar and METAR data determined that the wind transitioned from a direct tailwind of 6 to 11 knots to a 60-degree quartering tailwind from the left at 7 knots, resulting in a calculated tailwind component of approximately 4 knots and a crosswind component of approximately 6 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-04-07 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Broomfield, CO?

An aircraft impacted a runway in a left-wing low attitude, resulting in gear collapse and a post-impact fire that destroyed the plane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-04-07 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N3015L, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Contributing factor's included the quartering tailwind, and the pilot's inadequate in-flight decision making.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050412X00440. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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