Piper PA30 - NO SERIES N8403Y accident near Red Bluff, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, after the airplane touched down and he applied the brakes, the airplane swerved 90 degrees right. He then released the brakes and applied aileron and rudder inputs to correct to the left. Despite the pilot's attempts to regain directional control, the airplane continued to turn right, slid sideways off the runway, went over a berm, and then continued about 40 ft down a 45-degree embankment, which resulted in the collapse of the landing gear and substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane's wheel and brake system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Wind was reported to be calm at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he did not hold a multiengine rating and that he had a total of 3 hours in the accident airplane make and model.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA136 for the full record.