Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind condition and a wind gust, as reported by the pilot.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was on final approach to land on runway 15 when he experienced a sudden wind gust and made a "very hard landing." As the pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp, the nose landing gear collapsed. Post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed damage to the firewall, fuselage, and engine and nose strut mount assemblies. Winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 220 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA272 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Charleston (CHS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA32
- N-number
- N4376X
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.