Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Fence During Go-Around in Gusting Crosswind (N3741P)

Hawthorne, NV, US

On June 3, 1988, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3741P) was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's difficulty in landing during a gusting crosswind, which led to a go-around and subsequent collision with a fence. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a go-around due to landing difficulties in gusting crosswinds, the aircraft struck a barbed wire fence and fence post before coming to rest in a ditch.

What happened

The pilot was attempting to land an aircraft at an airport when difficulties arose with the approach. The conditions included a gusting crosswind, which made the landing challenging. Due to these difficulties, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver.

During this go-around, the aircraft struck a barbed wire fence with its main landing gear. Additionally, a fence post impacted the left horizontal stabilizer. Following the collision with the fence and post, the aircraft crossed over a road. It then descended into a ditch where it came to rest.

The density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 7,000 feet.

Probable cause

The pilot's difficulty in landing during a gusting crosswind, which led to a go-around and subsequent collision with a fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26075. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.