Hard landing and runway excursion involving aircraft

Casualties unknown • Tampa, FL, US

A pilot experienced a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion after responding to TCAS traffic alerts during pattern entry.

What happened

The pilot was performing a 45-degree entry to the traffic pattern on the downwind leg when the Mode S Traffic Alert & Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) indicated the presence of several other aircraft in the vicinity. During this time, the pilot also received an audible "traffic traffic" warning.

In response to these alerts, the pilot increased his visual scan due to concerns that another aircraft might be positioned above or below him within the pattern. This heightened focus contributed to a hard landing. Upon impacting the runway, the right tire sustained damage, causing the aircraft to swerve to the right, across the grass, and onto an adjacent taxiway. There were no reported injuries.

Probable cause

The pilot's increased visual scan in response to TCAS traffic alerts led to a hard landing and subsequent excursion from the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-01-20 Piper PA-46/JETPROP accident near Tampa, FL?

A pilot experienced a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion after responding to TCAS traffic alerts during pattern entry.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-01-20 involved a Piper PA-46/JETPROP, registration N122SR, at Tampa, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's increased visual scan in response to TCAS traffic alerts led to a hard landing and subsequent excursion from the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060131X00133. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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