Why does the right side of a Piper Navaho receive more damage in a crash?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the observation that the right side of a Piper Navaho aircraft tends to sustain more damage in crashes, regardless of impact angle or speed. Participants explore potential explanations for this phenomenon, including design features and pilot behavior, without reaching a consensus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a commercial pilot's claim that the right side of the Piper Navaho receives more damage, seeking explanations from others.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism, suggesting it might be an old wives' tale and plans to investigate further.
  • Speculation arises about whether engine rotation could influence damage distribution, though counter-rotating engines are noted as a counterargument.
  • A participant suggests that the airframe's design might relate to the issue, referencing redesigns for flight control systems due to increased loads.
  • Concerns are raised about whether pilot preference or operational habits could contribute to the observed damage pattern.
  • One participant proposes that the presence of doors or hatches on the left side might provide additional structural support, potentially affecting damage outcomes.
  • Another participant categorizes the phenomenon as a myth until proven otherwise, indicating a lack of definitive evidence or consensus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the reasons behind the right side damage in Piper Navaho crashes, with multiple competing hypotheses and a general acknowledgment of uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion lacks definitive evidence and relies on anecdotal observations and speculation. The relationship between aircraft design features and crash dynamics remains unresolved.

Danger
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Hi guys;
Got a question that has me scratching my head. The new server at my favourite hangout is a commercial pilot taking a wee bit of a rest break. The other day she told me that for some reason, the right side of a Piper Navaho always receives the vast majority of the damage in a crash regardless of the angle or speed of impact. She highly recommended sitting portside if I'm ever in one. That's the first that I've ever heard of it, and neither one of us can think of a good explanation for it. Any of you aero experts have the answer? (She didn't specify any particular model year.)
 
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I'm not an airrframer. But I do know a couple of guys who probably know the answer (if there indeed is one). I'll get back to you after I do some homework. Personally, I'm thinking old wive's tale, but I will see if I can't dig anything up.
 
Thanks, Fred. I gave her the PF address, so she might even be following this herself.
 
Wild guess: Engine rotation?
 
That was my first thought, Cliff, but they're counter-rotating. Wouldn't that cancel the effect?
 
For the right side of the piper to be more susceptible to crashes, the airframe must have some sort of connection with the blue print of the aircraft.

A little research...

"Piper had to redesign the flight control systems to handle the increased loads on the airframe due to the higher speeds."

Reference

It seems the problem persists.
 
Um, pilot preference?
 
While I muchly appreciate the link, DM, and found it informative, I don't actually see anything there that addresses this specific issue. The flight control system shouldn't have anything to do with crush/crumple/ouch characteristics.

DaveC426913 said:
Um, pilot preference?
:smile:
 
Typically, these small commuter planes have doors/hatches on the left side. Perhaps these provide some additional stiffening to the airframe on the left...?
 
  • #10
Two of my 3 sources had no idea about this myth (I'm calling it a myth until proven). I have a third, but he has been sent out of town for a few days and won't be able to reply.

Really, it could be anything...
 
  • #11
Thanks, all, for the responses. I'll continue to check in and see what else turns up.
 

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