No fatalities

Aborted Takeoff Leads to Gear Collapse and Wing Damage in Windy Conditions

Angle Fire, NM, United States

On January 15, 2012, a PIPER PA-32RT-300 was involved in an aviation accident near Angle Fire, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff climb from runway 17, an airplane veered left and sank. The pilot aborted, but the nosewheel and left main gear collapsed. Postaccident exam found substantial left wing damage. Winds were 250° at 26 knots gusting 37.

Incident Overview

During the initial takeoff climb from runway 17, the airplane veered abruptly to the left and started to sink. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff, and the airplane settled back to the ground. As the airplane rolled through the snow, the nosewheel and the left main landing gear collapsed.

Damage Assessment

A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the outboard portion of the left wing was substantially damaged. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

Wind Conditions

The pilot estimated the winds at 20 to 30 knots. Winds at the time of the accident were recorded as 250 degrees at 26 knots gusting to 37 knots.

Contributing factors

PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 2012 PIPER PA-32RT-300 accident near Angle Fire, NM?

During takeoff climb from runway 17, an airplane veered left and sank. The pilot aborted, but the nosewheel and left main gear collapsed. Postaccident exam found substantial left wing damage. Winds were 250° at 26 knots gusting 37.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jan 2012 PIPER PA-32RT-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 2012 involved a PIPER PA-32RT-300, at Angle Fire, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.