On March 19, 1984, a Piper PA-12-115 (registration N4378M) was involved in an aviation accident near Riverton, WY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Convair 580 aircraft experienced an uncommanded left roll exceeding 90 degrees during final approach, resulting in a crash short of the runway.
What happened
The pilot reported that another Convair 580 had landed prior to his arrival. He proceeded with a normal glide slope and intended to land on the approach end of the runway. At an altitude of 50 feet above ground level on short final approach, the aircraft suddenly banked more than 90 degrees to the left and became uncontrollable. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 50 yards short of the runway threshold in a left wing-low attitude.
Findings
The incident involved a Convair 580 experiencing a sudden loss of control during the final phase of flight. The pilot was not injured in the event, though the aircraft sustained significant damage due to the impact.