Probable cause
Loss of directional control during the landing roll for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane began to pull to the left shortly after touchdown. He applied corrective control inputs, but the airplane continued to veer left and departed the runway, and the main landing gear collapsed.
Examination did not reveal any anomalies with the steering system that would have precluded normal operation, and all appropriate service bulletins had been complied with. The nose gear actuator had detached at an area on the airframe that was prone to fatigue failure; however, examination of the actuator assembly revealed that it had detached during an overload event, likely from the impact as the airplane departed the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA060 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Diego, California
- Nearest airport
- Montgomer-Gibbs Executive Airp (KMYF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA46
- N-number
- N4161X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.