On January 6, 2010, at 1646 central standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301T, N8448Y, was substantially damaged during a runway excursion after landing at the Auburn-Opelika Airport (AUO), Auburn, Alabama. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Thomaston-Upson County Airport (OPN), Thomaston, Georgia, at 1615, and was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
In a written statement, the pilot stated that after landing he applied the brakes to slow the airplane for a left turn off the runway. Instead, the airplane began a turn to the right, which could not be corrected with left brake application. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright on the grass apron.
A review of FAA airman records revealed that the pilot was issued a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land, multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. However, the pilot had surrendered his certificate to the FAA a month prior to the accident. His most recent FAA third class medical certificate was issued September 8, 2009. The pilot reported 1,386 total hours of flight experience, with 20 total hours of experience in the 90 days previous to the accident.
According to FAA and maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1981 and had accrued 3,030 total aircraft hours. Its most recent annual inspection was completed January 1, 2010, at 3,029 total aircraft hours.
At 1655, the weather reported at AUO, included clear skies and winds from 280 degrees at 4 knots. The visibility was 10 miles. The temperature was 3 degrees Celsius (C) and the dew point was -13 degrees C. The altimeter setting was 30.16 inches of mercury.
Examination of the airplane at the scene by an FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing spar, a twisted fuselage, and collapsed landing gear. The airplane was scheduled for a detailed examination at a later date.