Casualties unknown

2005-07-30: Piper PA-20-115 (N7004K) — Clyde Hager — Weiser, ID

Weiser, ID, US

On July 30, 2005, a Piper PA-20-115 (registration N7004K) operated by Clyde Hager was involved in an aviation accident near Weiser, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot applied too much braking as the aircraft departed the runway. 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

During landing practice, a pilot's low left wing caused a veer to the right, left wing drag, and hard braking that resulted in the aircraft nosing over off the runway.

Landing Flare Leads to Runway Excursion

A pilot practicing landings experienced a loss of control during the landing flare. According to the pilot, he inadvertently allowed the left wing to become too low, resulting in the aircraft making initial contact with the runway on its left main landing gear. Immediately after the left gear touched down, the aircraft began to veer to the right.

Pilot Unable to Correct Path

The pilot reported that he could not realign the aircraft with the runway heading. As the veer continued, the left wing started dragging across the runway surface. The aircraft continued moving toward the east (right) side of the runway.

Hard Braking Leads to Nose-Over

Once the aircraft reached the right edge of the runway, the pilot applied hard braking to both wheels. This action caused the aircraft to nose over, ultimately coming to rest inverted approximately 10 feet off the side of the runway.

Pilot's Account

During a discussion with the investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that there were no problems with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering system. He explained that the aircraft simply got away from him and that, as it began to depart the side of the runway, he applied a little too much braking.

The aircraft sustained damage in the incident. No information was provided regarding injuries or the aircraft's specific type, registration, or operator.

Probable cause

The pilot applied too much braking as the aircraft departed the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050811X01222. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.