Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said that the aircraft was on the takeoff ground roll when he lost directional control and the aircraft began turning to the left. The pilot noted that he applied full right rudder but was unable to regain control. The aircraft veered off the runway, ground looped and sheared off the landing gear.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 2, 1993, at 1415 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA32RT-300T, N39527, veered off the runway on takeoff at the Willows, California, airport. The aircraft ground looped, sheared off the landing gear and damaged a wing. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot, and was on a personal cross country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the mishap as a cross country flight to the Columbia Airport, Sonora, California. The pilot said that the aircraft was on the takeoff ground roll when he lost directional control and the aircraft began turning to the left. The pilot noted that he applied full right rudder but was unable to regain control. -