Aircraft runway excursion and gear collapse during landing

Casualties unknown • Canon City, CO, US

A pilot attempted a second approach after a go-around, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the aircraft's landing gear.

What happened

During an approach to the runway, the pilot of the aircraft observed a Twin Commander performing a go-around due to erratic winds at the approach end of runway 11. The pilot elected to perform a go-around as well. During the subsequent second approach, the pilot became distracted while attempting to maintain a safe distance from the preceding Twin Commander.

As the aircraft transitioned through the landing phase, the wind conditions shifted from a right crosswind to a left crosswind, and finally to a left quartering tailwind. Upon touchdown and during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the drift but overcorrected, causing the aircraft to exit the runway to the right and enter a ground loop. The aircraft came to a rest off the runway.

The investigation

The investigation determined that both the left and right main landing gear collapsed during the event, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot overcorrected during the landing roll following a wind shift, leading to a runway excursion and ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-07-01 Piper PA46-500TP accident near Canon City, CO?

A pilot attempted a second approach after a go-around, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the aircraft's landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-01 involved a Piper PA46-500TP, registration N804JH, at Canon City, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot overcorrected during the landing roll following a wind shift, leading to a runway excursion and ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050715X01030. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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