Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a gusting right quartering headwind, which resulted in a collapse of the left main landing gear.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing a second touch-and-go landing with a gusting right quartering headwind. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane drifted to the left, and the left wing dropped. The pilot compensated for the sideward movement by applying full right rudder, which yawed the airplane to the right. The airplane touched down about this time and the pilot immediately applied full brakes. However, the airplane was canted to the right as it continued down the runway bearing a sideload on the left main landing gear until the left gear collapsed. The airplane ground looped and came to rest on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, stabilator, and empennage.
Examination of the landing gear did not reveal any mechanical anomalies. The accident was most likely a result of a side load to the left main landing gear due to the pilot’s overcompensation of rudder control while landing in a right quartering crosswind.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA180 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chandler, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Chandler Municipal (CHD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28R
- N-number
- N786N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.