Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot made a normal approach to runway 26 and touched down at 95 miles per hour (mph). After decelerating to 70 mph, the airplane began drifting to the left. The pilot corrected the airplane back towards the centerline. The airplane crossed the centerline and continued to the right. He tried to correct the airplane back to the left, and it entered an out-of-control side skid on the runway. At 15 mph, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the left main and nose gear. Winds at the time of the accident were from 090 degrees at 4 knots. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA157 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Blythe, California
- Nearest airport
- Blythe (BLH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-34
- N-number
- N103JH
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.