On July 23, 2017, a PIPER PA 28-180 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Whaleyville, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadvertent brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing on a grass airstrip, a pilot unintentionally applied the right toe brake, causing the airplane to exit the runway and strike trees, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot lacked an FAA certificate.
Accident Details
The pilot reported touching down on the approach end of a grass airstrip. During the landing roll, he did not realize that his right foot was resting against the right toe brake, which caused the airplane to veer to the right. The airplane subsequently exited the right side of the airstrip and struck trees. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and the horizontal stabilizer.
Pilot Information
The pilot did not possess a Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificate.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotUnintentional use/operationDirectional control — Not attained/maintained
What happened in the 23 Jul 2017 PIPER PA 28-180 180 accident near Whaleyville, VA?
During landing on a grass airstrip, a pilot unintentionally applied the right toe brake, causing the airplane to exit the runway and strike trees, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot lacked an FAA certificate.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 2017 PIPER PA 28-180 180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 2017 involved a PIPER PA 28-180 180, at Whaleyville, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s inadvertent brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
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