Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX00LA094

HONOLULU, HI, USA

Aircraft #1

N140ND

Piper PA-28-161

Analysis

At the time of the pilot's approach and landing on runway 4L the winds were from 170 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot reported that the local controller instructed her to make a short approach for following traffic. She said that while the landing was long and she felt "rushed by the short approach request," the touchdown and initial landing ground roll was normal. Near the intersection of taxiway E as she began applying brakes, the airplane suddenly turned right and ran off the side of the runway. The pilot reported that she was afraid to apply left brake because the airplane "might tip over." As the airplane left the pavement, the left wing hit runway signs. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and the operator's maintenance department found no discrepancies during the repair process.

Factual Information

On February 5, 2000, at 1620 hours Hawaiian standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N140ND, drifted off runway 4L and collided with runway signs while landing at the Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii. The aircraft was owned and operated by the University of North Dakota, and was on a student solo cross-country instructional flight under 14 CFR Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated at Honolulu on the morning of the accident as a round robin cross-country flight with en route stops at Molokai and Lanai, Hawaii. At the time of the pilot's approach and landing the winds were from 170 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot reported that the local controller instructed her to make a short approach for following traffic. She said that while the landing was long and she felt "rushed by the short approach request," the touchdown and initial landing ground roll was normal. Near the intersection of taxiway E as she began applying brakes, the airplane suddenly turned right and ran off the side of the runway. The pilot reported that she was afraid to apply left brake because the airplane "might tip over." As the airplane left the pavement, the left wing hit runway signs. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and the operator's maintenance department found no discrepancies during the repair process.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper use of the brakes during the landing rollout. The pilot's self induced pressure and the quartering tailwind were factors in the accident.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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