Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he landed the airplane right of the runway centerline. The airplane then veered off the runway to the left, the propeller struck the ground, and the nosewheel separated.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower firewall mating the lower engine mount.
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 GAA18CA368 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 18, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 32-300
- N-number
- N41AL
- 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.