Probable cause
The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure a portion of the right wing leading edge, which resulted in the separation of the associated section of the leading edge during takeoff and the loss of directional control during the subsequent landing.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was being operated on a maintenance test flight after the installation of some aerial spray equipment. At an altitude of about 75 feet above ground level, the airplane pulled abruptly to the right. Using the maximum available engine power and left rudder, the pilot maintained control of the airplane and landed on the closest runway. However, after touchdown, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway and crossed a taxiway and a ditch before coming to rest about 300 feet from the runway. Postaccident examination revealed that the midspan section of the right wing's leading edge had separated, several screws were absent, and the remaining screws exhibited signs of inconsistent torque.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA195 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 25, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Americus, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Jimmy Carter Regional Airport (ACJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-36-300
- N-number
- N59661
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.