Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot stated that, after touch down for the touch-and-go landing it seemed that the right wheel locked. The airplane veered to the right and before the pilot was able to regain directional control and stop, the airplane went through a chain link fence at the end of the runway. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 31, 1994, at 1410 hours Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Piper PA-22-150, N1329C, registered to William G. Harrop, and being flown by Douglas L. Hill, a student pilot, sustained substantial damage when the airplane collided with a fence following a loss of control while landing on runway 34R at the Snohomish County Airport, Everett, Washington. The pilot was uninjured. A VFR flight plan was in effect for the round robin flight, and visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident. The flight, which was an instructional solo, was to have been operated in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR91, and originated from Arlington, Washington, at 1235 hours, with stops at Bremerton, Tacoma, and Everett, Washington. In a written statement, the 49-hour student pilot reported that after touchdown for the touch-and-go landing, "the right wheel seemed to lock." The airplane veered to the right and, before the pilot was able to regain directional control and stop, the airplane went through a chain link fence at the north end of the runway. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. -