Piper PA32 N81PW accident near Perry, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during touchdown in a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he flew an instrument approach to a 4,999-ft-long, 100-ft-wide, asphalt runway. He flared at 78 kts and the airplane touched down on centerline. After touchdown, he applied brakes and the airplane veered left. He pressed harder on the right brake pedal, but the plane did not react, so he applied full right pedal but he did not observe any response. The airplane skidded off the left side of the runway and continued skidding through grass. It subsequently struck a small embankment at the edge of a cotton field, where it came to rest upright. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing, nose landing gear, and firewall. His examination, which also included observing the airplane’s left main wheel was free to rotate and that the tire did not show any abnormal wear, did otherwise note evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

The wind recorded at the airport, about the time of the accident, indicated a left crosswind to tailwind at 9 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA062 for the full record.