Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control after landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
After landing, the pilot applied the brakes to slow the airplane for a left turn off the runway. Instead, the airplane began a turn to the right, which could not be corrected with left brake application. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to a stop upright on a grass apron. A postaccident examination of both the left and right brakes by an aircraft mechanic revealed that the brakes turned freely with no dragging noted and that they appeared to be functional at the time of the examination.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA110 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 6, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Auburn, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Auburn-Opelika Airport (AUO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32R-301T
- N-number
- N8448Y
- 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.