Piper Single Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 6475; Flight Crew Type 50
Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Object
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
I conducted a visual pattern and approach to runway. I had planned one touch and go followed by a full stop landing. The one minute weather reported the surface winds at 220/6; yielding approximately a 5 knot crosswind component. I conducted a wheel landing and touched down on speed at 70 mph; on centerline; in the touchdown zone; and on the right/upwind wheel. After I lowered the left wheel; the aircraft immediately and uncontrollably veered sharply to the left. I applied full right rudder and immediately held the stick full right and aft to keep the aircraft from ground looping or cartwheeling. I was unable to control the aircraft and we departed the runway to the left and proceeded to impact two of the four PAPI lights. The prop hit a PAPI light causing the engine to quit. The aircraft continued and came to a stop approximately 50 to 100 ft off the runway. There were no injuries to myself (PIC) or passenger. I proceeded to secure the aircraft and survey the scene. I am extremely well trained in tailwheel operations and very familiar with this aircraft as it has been in my family for years. Nothing like this has ever happened. I was alert; well rested; and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful day. I immediately suspected that a brake had locked on the left wheel. This is supported by marks on the runway and grass as well as wear marks on the left wheel. I fully believe that my knowledge; experience; training; and safety minded professionalism prevented this from turning into a disaster. That being said; I urgently desire to know the root cause of the suspected brake/wheel malfunction to allow for future focused training and information sharing in the tailwheel community.
Piper pilot reported a runway excursion following a crosswind landing.