Accident Overview
On September 7, 2015, at approximately 1315 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-24, registration N7708P, experienced a runway excursion after landing at Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Stratford, Connecticut. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but the private pilot was not injured. The flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal trip. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had originated from Peoria International Airport (PIA), Peoria, Illinois, at 0753.
Landing and Excursion
According to the pilot, while approaching the New Jersey area, he checked weather conditions at BDR and noted surface winds from 230 degrees at 10 knots. Because Runway 24 was closed, he selected Runway 29 for landing. During the final approach, the crosswind became evident. After touchdown, the airplane veered sharply to the left. The pilot's attempts to remain on the runway were unsuccessful; steering and braking inputs did not work and did not noticeably reduce speed. The airplane departed the runway surface and spun sharply to the left. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing impacted the ground. After coming to a stop, the pilot secured the engine and exited the cockpit.
Aircraft Damage and Examination
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the wreckage at the accident site. The fuselage, empennage, and right wing sustained structural damage from impact forces. The right wing spar was bent approximately 4 feet from the wing tip. The right main landing gear linkage pierced the upper wing surface, and the empennage was bent at the aft bulkhead. The aircraft's brakes, rudder, and nose wheel steering systems were inspected by the FAA and no discrepancies were found.
Pilot Information
At the time of the accident, the pilot had logged approximately 700 hours of total flight time, including 414 hours in the PA-24. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot responded that he would have diverted to an alternate airport with a lower or no crosswind component, stopped mid-trip to wait for improved wind conditions, and obtained more crosswind landing practice.