Aircraft veers off runway during landing

Casualties unknown • Faribault, MN, US

An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch following touchdown, resulting in collapsed landing gear.

What happened

During the landing phase of flight, the aircraft veered off the runway and impacted a ditch. According to the pilot, an attempt was made to correct a leftward movement, but the aircraft subsequently veered sharply to the right upon touchdown.

The aircraft came to rest approximately 57 feet from the left side of the runway, oriented roughly 180 degrees opposite to runway 30.

The investigation

Examination of the accident site identified two sets of skid marks on the runway and two sets of tire marks through the adjacent grass area preceding the aircraft. Both sets of marks were found to be similar. Investigation of the tires showed that none had flat spotting and all were in good condition.

Mechanical inspection of the aircraft revealed that the brake system operated without anomalies and the steering system linkage was functional up to the nose gear trunnion. The nose landing gear and right main landing gear had collapsed. All components of the landing gear system remained present, and any breakage observed was consistent with impact damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-06-03 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Faribault, MN?

An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch following touchdown, resulting in collapsed landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-06-03 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N63790, at Faribault, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during landing. A contributing factor was the ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060614X00733. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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