Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he completed the before landing checklist while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern. The approach and landing were completed at a reduced flap setting due to the gusty wind. After the airplane touched down, the pilot “felt a pull to the left,” and he thought that there might have been an issue with the nose wheel steering. The airplane ultimately departed the left side of the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing was damaged during the accident sequence.
A postaccident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any anomalies with respect to the nose wheel assembly or the steering linkage. Rudder control continuity was confirmed.
Surface weather observations indicated that a 50° - 70° right crosswind with gusts to 30 knots prevailed about the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 26, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ponca City, Oklahoma
- Nearest airport
- Ponca City Regional (PNC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-34-200T
- N-number
- N510P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.