LAX05CA093

The airplane veered off the runway and collided with obstacles during landing rollout. The pilot chose to make an unscheduled landing due to worsening weather along his planned route of flight. The airplane's approach speed was 10 knots faster than normal. Upon landing, the runway was muddy and the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane continued off the runway and struck large rocks and cacti, substantially damaging the wings and main lading gear. The pilot stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

On February 10, 2005, about 1400 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N973EL, veered off the runway and collided with obstacles during landing rollout at Roosevelt, Arizona. International Airline Training Academy was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country instructional flight departed Winslow, Arizona, at 1228, with a planned destination of Tucson, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 33 degrees 38.36 minutes north latitude and 111 degrees 03.40 minutes west longitude.

During a telephone conversation with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the operator stated that the pilot, while on a cross-country flight, diverted to Grapevine Airport in Roosevelt. The diversion was the effect of encountering unforeseen weather along the route.

The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). He reported that the approach speed was 10 knots faster than normal. He said that he lost control about 1,000 feet before the end of the runway and veered left off the runway. After departing the runway, the airplane struck two large boulders and cacti, which caused damage to the wings and main landing gear. The pilot noted that the runway condition was soft and muddy at the time of landing. He stated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.