# NTSB GAA17CA105: Piper PA 46, N301BK, Nashville, TN, December 29, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: December 29, 2016, 13:45 local (19:45 UTC) - Place: Nashville, TN - Coordinates: 36.183055, -86.88639 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1831&lon=-86.8864&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 20, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 94557 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA105 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94557/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94557 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA105 ## Probable cause The pilot’s loss of directional control during the aborted landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 40 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: maximum crosswind component](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061015): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061015/cases.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 21 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061015/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: sign/marker](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 214 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-landing roll: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA 46-350P, 40 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7104620), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the pilot, during the landing roll, the airplane "began to drift sharply to the left." The pilot reported that, although there were no wind gusts reported, he felt as though a wind gust was pushing the airplane to the left. He attempted to maintain directional control with rudder pedal application, and he applied full right aileron. The airplane continued to drift to the left, and the pilot attempted to abort the landing by applying full throttle and 25° of flaps. He reported that the airplane continued to drift to the left and that he was not able to achieve sufficient airspeed to rotate. The airplane exited the runway, the pilot pulled the throttle to idle, and he applied the brakes to avoid obstacles. However, the airplane impacted the runway and taxiway signage and came to rest in a drainage culvert. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The published METAR for the accident airport reported that the wind was from 290° at 15 knots, and wind gusts exceeded 22 knots 1 hour before and 1 hour after the accident. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 20. The maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the airplane was 17 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative According to the pilot, during the landing roll the airplane "began to drift sharply to the left." The pilot reported that, although there were no wind gusts reported, he felt as though a wind gust was pushing the airplane to the left. He attempted to maintain directional control with rudder pedal application and he applied full right aileron. The airplane continued to drift to the left and the pilot attempted to abort the landing by applying full throttle and 25° of flaps. He reported that the airplane continued to drift to the left and he was not able to achieve sufficient airspeed to rotate. The airplane exited the runway, the pilot pulled the throttle to idle and he applied the brakes to avoid obstacles. However, the airplane impacted the runway and taxiway signage and came to rest in a drainage culvert. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The published Meteorological Aerodrome Report for the accident airport reported, wind from 290° at 15 knots, and wind gusts that exceeded 22 knots, one hour before and one hour after the accident. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 20. The maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the airplane was 17 knots. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N301BK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N301BK-2020-01-03), registration cancelled 2020-01-03, S/N 4636407, built 2007 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA 46 (350P) - Registry model: [Piper PA 46-350P](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-46-350p) (registry code 7104620) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tio-540-ae2a) (registry code 41999, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 4636407 - Year built: 2007 - Airframe hours: 1332.4 - Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-AE2A 350 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Cambusmoon Inc - Registered owner: Cambusmoon Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 9, 2016 - Departed: M01, MEMPHIS, TN - Destination: JWN, NASHVILLE, TN - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: JWN, John C Tune, runway 20, 6,001 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Onboard weather, Stall warning system, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 9, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,550.5 total, 1,092.9 in this make and model, 1,395.1 as pilot in command, 86 in the last 90 days, 27.2 in the last 30 days, 3.9 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 15 knots, gusting 22 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 18 °F - Altimeter: 30.12 inHg - Observed at: KBNA, 10 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20161229023449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20161229023449A), Dec 29, 2016: Piper PA 46-350P, Nashville, TN, Substantial damage. PIC was preparing to land on runway 20. Attempted a go around due to strong crosswinds. Crashed east of taxiway a. ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 3, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94557. 2.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453928&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 87 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453929&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Photos (Courtesy of FAA) (item 3, .PDF, 2 photos, 198 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453930&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.