On March 6, 1987, a Piper PA-32RT-300T (registration N39588) was involved in an aviation accident near Tallahassee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Control of the aircraft was lost due to a strong wind gust created by the tree line next to the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost control and crashed beside the runway after encountering a strong wind gust from a tree line. A preceding pilot reported momentary control loss during flare due to severe turbulence from the same tree line. Surface crosswind was estimated at 40 knots from 40 degrees right.
Accident Sequence
An aircraft lost control and crashed next to the runway. The loss of control occurred due to a strong wind gust that was created by the tree line adjacent to the runway. The aircraft subsequently crashed beside the runway.
Environmental Conditions
Surface wind gusts were estimated to have a crosswind component from the right of 40 degrees at 40 knots. The tree line next to the runway was identified as the source of the gust that disrupted control of the aircraft.
Pilot Reports
A pilot who had landed just prior to the accident reported that he had sustained a momentary loss of aircraft control during the flare. He attributed this loss of control to the severe turbulence created by the tree line.
Probable cause
Control of the aircraft was lost due to a strong wind gust created by the tree line next to the runway.
What happened in the 6 Mar 1987 Piper PA-32RT-300T accident near Tallahassee, FL?
An aircraft lost control and crashed beside the runway after encountering a strong wind gust from a tree line. A preceding pilot reported momentary control loss during flare due to severe turbulence from the same tree line. Surface crosswind was estimated at 40 knots from 40 degrees right.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Mar 1987 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300T, registration N39588, at Tallahassee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Control of the aircraft was lost due to a strong wind gust created by the tree line next to the runway.
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