No fatalities

9 Sep 2016: PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA46R 350T — AIRTREK INVESTMENTS LTD — Reserve, NM

Reserve, NM, United States

On 9 Sep 2016, a PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA46R 350T operated by AIRTREK INVESTMENTS LTD was involved in an aviation accident near Reserve, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind. 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 pilot reported unsuccessful activation of the pilot controlled lighting system and a significant left crosswind during landing. The airplane veered off the runway into rough terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, the accident occurred during landing at dusk. The pilot attempted to activate the pilot controlled lighting system but was unsuccessful. There was a significant left crosswind, and the pilot noted that perhaps he did not crab enough. The airplane touched down on the grass to the right of the runway. After touchdown, the pilot applied left rudder, causing the airplane to veer to the left. It crossed the runway and continued off the runway to the left into rough terrain. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest in a nose-down position.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

According to the pilot, the weather at the time of the accident included wind from 170 degrees true at 11 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 24.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedCrosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationEffect on personnelContributed to outcome