Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
NTSB analysis
Upon landing on the 30-foot-wide runway at the destination airport, the private pilot applied the brakes. The airplane turned sharply to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The airplane came to rest in the upright position, approximately 150 feet from the runway's edge. Damage was sustained to the airplane's nosewheel, firewall and left wing. An examination of the airplane by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not discover any anomalies with the airplane's controls or braking system.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA581 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 5, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spicewood, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Spicewood (88R)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-301
- N-number
- N117EM
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.