Probable cause
The pilot's excessive brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a drainage culvert.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during an approach into the sun, he believed that the approach angle was too high, and he decided to abort the landing. He increased the throttle rapidly, the engine sputtered, and he continued the landing. Once on the airplane was on the runway, he quickly applied the brakes. The right brake locked up, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway and then impacted a drainage culvert.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA131 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 26, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Williamsburg-Jamestown (JGG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N6166W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- 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.