NTSB Factual Report

On October 11, 2006, approximately 1205 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-201T, N8122T, departed the side of the runway at Lebanon State Airport, Lebanon, Oregon, and impacted a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) light standard and a nearby ditch. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which departed Sunriver, Oregon, about 35 minutes prior to the accident, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot, about 100 feet into the landing roll of the intended full-stop landing, the aircraft veered sharply to the right, and when he tried to correct back to the left, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway. After departing the runway, the aircraft impacted the VASI standard, and then slid into a ditch. The impact with the VASI resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. A post accident inspection of the aircraft did not reveal any anomalies in the flight controls, nose wheel steering linkage, or wheel braking system.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in the aircraft departing the runway and impacting a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) standard. The VASI standard near the side of the runway was a factor.