On February 2, 1989, a Piper J-3C-65 (registration N6675H) was involved in an aviation accident near Richards, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that a gust of wind caused the airplane to become uncontrollable and collide with a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported losing control due to a wind gust while turning final, resulting in the airplane hitting a tree and the ground near a private airstrip.
Accident Details
The accident occurred when a pilot was turning final for a landing to the south at a private airstrip. The airplane first struck a tree and then impacted the ground. The pilot had departed from the same airstrip approximately 15 minutes prior to the accident.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, a gust of wind rendered the airplane uncontrollable and blew it into the tree. The pilot estimated the wind was from the west-southwest at 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Weather Information
Weather data observed at College Station, Texas, located 38 nautical miles from the accident site, was listed in the report.
Probable cause
The pilot reported that a gust of wind caused the airplane to become uncontrollable and collide with a tree.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Feb 1989 Piper J-3C-65 accident near Richards, TX?
A pilot reported losing control due to a wind gust while turning final, resulting in the airplane hitting a tree and the ground near a private airstrip.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Feb 1989 involved a Piper J-3C-65, registration N6675H, at Richards, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot reported that a gust of wind caused the airplane to become uncontrollable and collide with a tree.
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