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Airplane Veers Off Runway During Landing After Fishtailing

Easton, MD, United States

On December 4, 2012, a PIPER PA-32-300 operated by Middle River Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Easton, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, the airplane fishtailed after nose gear touchdown. The pilot's braking and yoke input led to a left veer off the runway into a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during landing, the main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. As soon as the nose gear touched the runway, the airplane began to fishtail. The pilot applied the brakes but was unable to straighten or stop the airplane. He then pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane veered to the left. The airplane subsequently traveled off the left side of the runway and struck a ditch.

Aircraft Damage

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

Weather Conditions

The recorded wind at the airport, approximately at the time of the accident, was a 30-degree left quartering headwind at 6 knots.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

  • 22 Aug 2024 — CESSNA 172 R (Middle River Aviation)

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 2012 PIPER PA-32-300 accident near Easton, MD?

During landing, the airplane fishtailed after nose gear touchdown. The pilot's braking and yoke input led to a left veer off the runway into a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Dec 2012 PIPER PA-32-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 2012 involved a PIPER PA-32-300, operated by Middle River Aviation, at Easton, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.

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