Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and the landing gear collapsing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during cruise flight, the onboard weather radar showed unfavorable weather ahead, and he diverted to a nearby airport for a precautionary landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane veered left and slid off the runway onto an adjacent field, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper engine mount.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 32.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA191 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 31, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Swainsboro, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- East Georgia Regional (SBO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA32
- N-number
- N75242
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.