Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Turbulence on Final Approach, Strikes Windsock Pole During Go-Around (N9147Y)

Durango, CO, US

On May 5, 1989, a Piper PA-28RT-201T (registration N9147Y) operated by Western Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE INFLIGHT PLANNING AND INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE CROSSWIND AND TURBULENCE ENCOUNTERED CLOSE TO THE GROUND AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported encountering turbulence on final approach to Animas Airpark, causing the aircraft to drop and drift. During a go-around, the right wing struck a windsock pole. The aircraft continued to another airport.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a long final approach for landing on Runway 19 at Animas Airpark, the aircraft encountered turbulence while crossing the runway end at approximately 60 feet above ground level. The turbulence caused the aircraft to descend near ground level and drift to the left, toward an area beside the runway.

Go-Around and Collision

The pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the right wing of the aircraft collided with a windsock pole. Despite the collision, the aircraft remained airborne, and the pilot flew to a nearby airport for landing.

Airport Conditions

A fixed-base operator (FBO) at Animas Airpark noted that the mountainous terrain to the west of the airport sometimes creates turbulence in the vicinity of the airport. This turbulence is described as not predictable or noticeable at ground level. The airport elevation is 6,690 feet. With a temperature of 60°F, the density altitude at the time would have been approximately 8,000 feet.

Pilot Report

The pilot did not specify any further details regarding the aircraft type or registration. The incident did not involve any reported injuries or fatalities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28294. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.