Casualties unknown

1984-07-02: Piper PA-38-112 (N9826T) — Sunbird Aviation Inc — Townsend, MT

Townsend, MT, US

On July 2, 1984, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9826T) operated by Sunbird Aviation Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Townsend, MT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot continued an approach in gusty crosswind conditions, then attempted a go-around. The aircraft stalled and weathervaned left of the runway, colliding with a fence and irrigation pipe.

Incident Overview

During a landing in crosswind conditions, a student pilot decided to continue the approach, believing it would provide valuable practice. However, at the last moment, the pilot added power to initiate a go-around. The aircraft subsequently stalled and weathervaned off the runway to the left, where it struck a fence and an irrigation pipe. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway and collided with these obstacles, coming to rest.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot was conducting a landing approach in crosswind conditions. The pilot thought the landing in a crosswind would be good practice and therefore continued the approach. At the last moment, the pilot added power to execute a go-around. The aircraft then stalled and weathervaned off the runway. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway and collided with a fence and an irrigation pipe.

Environmental Conditions

The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 300 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. No other weather information was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.