Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in the nose landing gear collapsing and subsequent loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing at night, the threshold and right side runway lights were out of service at the airport. He added that he "must have been closer [to the ground] than [he] estimated" on approach because the airplane landed flat. Subsequently, the nose landing gear collapsed, the airplane veered left, and he attempted to correct with right rudder. The airplane came to rest left of the runway in an adjacent cornfield.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA452 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Joseph, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Routh (9IL2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N2204B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.