Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Hangar During Go-Around After Wind Shift (N4980J)

Frankfort, IL, US

On May 29, 1989, a Piper PA28R-180 (registration N4980J) operated by Pickett, Ronald E. was involved in an aviation accident near Frankfort, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN CROSS/TAILWIND CONDITIONS. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot initiated a go-around after a wind shift caused the aircraft to drift left during landing. During the climb, the left wing struck a hangar, the right wing hit the ground, and the aircraft nosed over.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while attempting to land with a right quartering headwind, the wind shifted to a right quartering tailwind and began to gust. As a result, the aircraft started to drift to the left, toward parked airplanes and hangars. The pilot elected to perform a go-around to avoid a collision.

Sequence of Events

During the go-around, as the pilot attempted to climb out and clear the hangars, the aircraft continued to drift to the left. The left wing subsequently struck a hangar, the right wing struck the ground, and the aircraft nosed into the ground.

Damage

The aircraft sustained damage to both wings and the nose section from the impact with the hangar and the ground. The condition of the parked airplanes and hangars was not specified.

Pilot Actions

The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around was made in response to the loss of directional control during the landing attempt. The report did not include any further information on pilot experience or training.

Environment

The incident occurred during daylight conditions with a variable wind that shifted from a right quartering headwind to a right quartering tailwind with gusting. No other weather factors were reported.

Investigation

The investigation is based solely on the pilot's report. No analysis of causal factors or recommendations were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 May 1989 Piper PA28R-180 accident near Frankfort, IL?

A pilot initiated a go-around after a wind shift caused the aircraft to drift left during landing. During the climb, the left wing struck a hangar, the right wing hit the ground, and the aircraft nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 May 1989 involved a Piper PA28R-180, registration N4980J, operated by Pickett, Ronald E., at Frankfort, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN CROSS/TAILWIND CONDITIONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28275. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.