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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Off Runway After Wing Strikes Ground During Landing (N5046N)

Ft. Eustis, VA, US

On March 4, 1984, a Champion S-150 (registration N5046N) operated by Ft. Eustis Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Eustis, VA. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a smooth landing when the left wing unexpectedly rose, causing the right wing to hit the runway. The aircraft veered left, and the right main gear collapsed. A helicopter had departed one minute earlier.

Accident Details

The pilot of an airplane reported making a smooth landing with full flaps deployed. Without warning, the left wing suddenly rose, causing the right wing to strike the runway surface. The aircraft then departed the left side of the runway, and the right main landing gear collapsed.

Investigation

Investigation revealed that a CH-46 helicopter had departed from the same runway approximately one minute prior to the landing. No further details regarding the cause of the wing rise were provided in the report.

Post-Accident Actions

Following the accident, operational standards were issued requiring a minimum of three minutes between helicopter lift-off and landings by flying club aircraft.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 1984 Champion S-150 accident near Ft. Eustis, VA?

A pilot reported a smooth landing when the left wing unexpectedly rose, causing the right wing to hit the runway. The aircraft veered left, and the right main gear collapsed. A helicopter had departed one minute earlier.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 1984 involved a Champion S-150, registration N5046N, operated by Ft. Eustis Flying Club, at Ft. Eustis, VA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38970. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.