On April 24, 1983, a North American T-6 (registration N9644C) operated by Dorr H. Burns was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Junction, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper landing technique during a crosswind approach, which led to a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the right landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft sustained right gear collapse after a hard landing with crosswind on runway 22, veering left before turning ninety degrees.
What happened
The pilot was conducting an approach to runway 22 when encountering significant wind conditions. The reported wind was from 180 degrees at 18 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots. During the final phase of the landing, the aircraft bounced and subsequently relanded on three points with considerable force.
Following the impact, the aircraft rolled out for approximately 100 yards while veering to the left. It then executed a sharp ninety-degree left turn before coming to a stop. The sequence of events resulted in structural failure of the landing gear system.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper landing technique during a crosswind approach, which led to a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the right landing gear.
What happened in the 24 Apr 1983 North American T-6 accident near Grand Junction, CO?
Aircraft sustained right gear collapse after a hard landing with crosswind on runway 22, veering left before turning ninety degrees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Apr 1983 involved a North American T-6, registration N9644C, operated by Dorr H. Burns, at Grand Junction, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper landing technique during a crosswind approach, which led to a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the right landing gear.
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