Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing touchdown in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in runway excursion, and nose gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during touch down in gusty crosswind conditions, the airplane veered off the runway to the left. He further reported when he corrected to get back onto the runway the nose gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
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 GAA16CA155 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 20, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pflugerville, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Austin Executive (EDC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 46
- N-number
- N975MA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2010
- 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.