Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with an airport sign.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions with aileron corrections applied, the airplane began to weather vane to the left. He further reported that as the airplane slowed down the landing gear tires "suddenly regained traction". Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right, departed the runway, and the right main landing gear impacted an airport sign and collapsed. The right wing sustained substantial damage.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA147 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 12, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pearland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Pearland Rgnl (LVJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28
- N-number
- N9309J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.