What happened
On 12 April 2024, at approximately 10:40 AM local time, a Piper PA-28R-201, registered N60SU, was involved in a runway excursion at West End Airport (MYGW) in Grand Bahama. The aircraft had departed from Boca Raton Airport in Florida under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with three occupants on board. The flight proceeded without incident until the final stages of the landing sequence on runway 30.
As the aircraft descended to an altitude of roughly 20 feet above the runway, the pilot attempted to use the rudder to align the plane with the center of the runway. However, the pilot noted that the aircraft failed to respond to these rudder inputs. The aircraft subsequently touched down sideways on the runway. Despite further attempts to regain directional control using both the brakes and the rudder, the aircraft continued its lateral trajectory, exiting the runway to the right and coming to a stop in nearby vegetation.
The investigation
The preliminary investigation focused on the loss of control during the landing phase. The pilot in command reported that there were no indications of mechanical malfunctions or system issues during the preceding flight or during the pre-flight inspections. Meteorological conditions at the time of the event were clear, with visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and visibility exceeding six statute miles.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to its wings during the excursion.
- There were no injuries reported for the three persons on board or any individuals on the ground.
- The primary factor in the excursion was the lack of response to rudder inputs during the final approach and touchdown phase.