No fatalities

12 Mar 2016: PIPER PA 28 180 — Pearland, TX

Pearland, TX, United States

On 12 Mar 2016, a PIPER PA 28 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Pearland, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with an airport sign. 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

During landing roll in gusty wind, the airplane weathervaned, then veered right after tires regained traction, departing the runway and collapsing the right main landing gear after hitting an airport sign. No preimpact mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions, while aileron corrections were being applied, the airplane began to weather vane to the left. As the airplane slowed, the landing gear tires "suddenly regained traction," causing the airplane to veer to the right. The airplane subsequently departed the runway, and the right main landing gear impacted an airport sign, resulting in its collapse. The right wing sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Aircraft Damage

The right wing sustained substantial damage, and the right main landing gear collapsed after impacting the airport sign.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported gusty wind conditions during the landing roll, which necessitated aileron corrections.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Awareness of condition