Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the airplane touched down on the approach end of the grass airstrip. During the landing roll, he did not realize that his "right foot was resting against the right toe brake." The airplane exited the right side of the airstrip and struck trees.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot did not possess a Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificate.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA430 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Whaleyville, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Umphlett Airstrip (VG37)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Piper PA 28-180
- N-number
- N2814T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- 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.