15 Jan 2012: PIPER PA-32RT-300

15 Jan 2012: PIPER PA-32RT-300 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Angle Fire, NM, United States

Probable cause

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

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

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

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 250/26kt, vis 10sm

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