Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, as he landing the multi-engine airplane, the airplane suddenly turned to the left, towards the edge of the runway. The pilot added that he and the flight instructor tried to correct the problem by adding rudder. Subsequently, the airplane's wing lifted and the airplane began to "wheelbarrow" on the nose landing gear. The pilot added that as he and the instructor tried to regain control, the airplane's left and right landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest on its belly, in the grass on the east side of the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA141 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Houston, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Ellington Field (EFD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-30
- N-number
- N8511Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.