On May 12, 1984, a Beech BONANZA F33A (registration N4463S) was involved in an aviation accident near Tarentum, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to a sudden gust of wind, which resulted in the right wing contacting the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft drifted to the right side of the runway upon landing due to a sudden gust of wind, causing the right wing to contact the ground.
What happened
The pilot initiated the landing approach to runway 02 at an airspeed of 95 mph. The configuration included flaps set to one-third down and the right wing lowered for wind compensation. At that time, winds were reported from 090 degrees.
As the aircraft descended to approximately 30 feet above the runway, it encountered a sudden gust of wind from 270 degrees. This crosswind component caused the aircraft to drift toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft ultimately landed over a grass area adjacent to the pavement, where the right wing contacted the ground.
The investigation
The pilot stated that winds were at 090 degrees during the approach. The accident occurred when the aircraft drifted to the right side of the runway over a grass area where the right wing contacted the ground.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to a sudden gust of wind, which resulted in the right wing contacting the ground.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 May 1984 Beech BONANZA F33A accident near Tarentum, PA?
A light aircraft drifted to the right side of the runway upon landing due to a sudden gust of wind, causing the right wing to contact the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 May 1984 involved a Beech BONANZA F33A, registration N4463S, at Tarentum, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to a sudden gust of wind, which resulted in the right wing contacting the ground.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…