On January 26, 2019, a Piper PA28 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Williamsburg, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a drainage culvert. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an approach into the sun, a pilot aborted landing but engine sputtered. He continued, braked, right brake locked, and the airplane exited the runway, hitting a culvert, causing substantial wing damage.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that during an approach the sun was positioned directly in front of the aircraft. He believed that his approach angle was too high, prompting him to decide to abort the landing. He increased the throttle rapidly. In response, the engine sputtered. At that point, the pilot decided to continue with the landing rather than abort. Once on the runway, he quickly applied the brakes. The right brake locked up, causing the airplane to exit the runway on the right side. The airplane subsequently struck a drainage culvert.
Damage
As a result of the collision with the culvert, the airplane's right wing sustained substantial damage.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Jan 2019 Piper PA28 140 accident near Williamsburg, VA?
During an approach into the sun, a pilot aborted landing but engine sputtered. He continued, braked, right brake locked, and the airplane exited the runway, hitting a culvert, causing substantial wing damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jan 2019 Piper PA28 140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jan 2019 involved a Piper PA28 140, at Williamsburg, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's excessive brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a drainage culvert.