No fatalities

6 Mar 2016: PIPER PA 22-108 108 — Lincolnton, NC

Lincolnton, NC, United States

On 6 Mar 2016, a PIPER PA 22-108 108 was involved in an aviation accident near Lincolnton, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The non-certificated pilot's loss of directional control while landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A non-certificated pilot/owner and a prospective buyer were on a local test flight. While on final approach, the airplane yawed left; after landing, it veered left, struck an embankment, and flipped over, sustaining substantial damage.

Accident Details

A non-certificated pilot/owner was conducting a local test flight in a single-engine airplane with a prospective buyer, who held a private pilot certificate. After departing the airport traffic area and climbing to an altitude of 1,800 feet, the pilot permitted the prospective buyer to manipulate the flight controls. The pilot then reassumed control for the return flight to the departure airport.

Sequence of Events

According to the prospective buyer, while on final approach to land on runway 5, he noticed that the airplane was yawed to the left and applied right rudder. However, the pilot instructed him to stay off the controls, and the buyer complied for the remainder of the flight. After landing, the airplane veered to the left and departed the left side of the runway, where it struck an embankment and flipped over.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing struts, rudder, aft lower fuselage, firewall, and nose gear assembly. Both occupants stated that there were no pre-impact anomalies with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot