Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that about halfway down the runway the airplane encountered a dust devil, which raised the right wing and caused the airplane to skid off the left side of the runway where it impacted a berm. The airplane subsequently rotated 360 degrees to the right, coming to rest on the adjacent taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right door frame structure and the right wing spar. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA215 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Novato, California
- Nearest airport
- Gnoss Field (DVO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28R - 201T
- N-number
- N222RS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.