On May 5, 1988, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8205) operated by Air Center Gwinnett was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrenceville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to properly compensate for wind gusts during landing, resulting in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot returning to the departure airport encountered significant crosswinds during a landing attempt. A sudden gust lifted the aircraft, but rigid control inputs caused it to drop and skid off the runway.
What happened
The student pilot returned to the departure airport with the intention of executing a landing maneuver under challenging weather conditions. The wind was reported to be gusting to an estimated 20 knots, creating a significant crosswind component for the approach.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered another sudden gust of wind. This aerodynamic disturbance caused the aircraft to become airborne again immediately after contact with the runway surface. Instead of adjusting control inputs to manage the lift and maintain directional stability, the student pilot held the aircraft's controls rigidly. Consequently, the aircraft dropped back onto the runway pavement. The loss of control resulted in the aircraft skidding off the runway to the left side.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to properly compensate for wind gusts during landing, resulting in a loss of directional control.
What happened in the 5 May 1988 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Lawrenceville, GA?
A student pilot returning to the departure airport encountered significant crosswinds during a landing attempt. A sudden gust lifted the aircraft, but rigid control inputs caused it to drop and skid off the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 May 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8205, operated by Air Center Gwinnett, at Lawrenceville, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to properly compensate for wind gusts during landing, resulting in a loss of directional control.
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