NTSB Factual Report

On March 3, 2001, approximately 1545 mountain standard time, N8356X, a Piper PA-34-220T, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during landing at Animas Airpark, Durango, Colorado. The commercial pilot and his three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Lancaster, Texas, approximately 1230 central standard time.

In his accident report, the pilot said that when the airplane touched down, it veered sharply to the right and went off the side of the runway and into a ditch. The nose landing gear was sheared off, the nose cone was shattered, both propellers were destroyed, and there was bulkhead and skin damage. In telephone conversations, the pilot said a tire blew out, causing him to lose control.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the blown tire.