Probable cause
The failure of the airplane’s nose wheel steering/centering mechanism, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during the landing roll, he was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane veered right and exited the runway, where the nose landing gear collapsed.
Examination of the airplane revealed that the nose gear steering/centering mechanism was fractured, which resulted in the improper alignment of the nose landing gear when it was extended, and a subsequent loss of directional control. Three skid marks were visible from the runway centerline to where the airplane came to rest. The center skid mark was consistent with the nose landing gear and was darker and was about 2-3 times the width of the marks from the main tires; consistent with the nose landing gear's misalignment during the landing roll.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18LA184 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 16, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Page, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Page Muni (PGA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA31
- N-number
- N621PG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.