Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing, the main landing gear touched down first, followed by the nose landing gear. As soon as the nose gear touched down, the airplane "fishtailed." The pilot applied brakes; however, he was unable to get the airplane to straighten or stop. He then pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane veered left. The airplane subsequently traveled off the left side of the runway and struck a ditch. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall. Postaccident examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 4, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Easton, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Easton/Newnam Field (ESN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-300
- N-number
- N2835W
- 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.