On July 1, 1989, a Cessna R182 (registration N7385Y) operated by Stringer, Henry Jerry was involved in an aviation accident near Telluride, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, AND TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a strong gust of wind during landing that blew the aircraft left of the runway. A go-around attempt failed to clear trees, and the aircraft crashed inverted, sustaining damage to its tail and left wing.
Accident Details
According to the pilot's report, while landing, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind that pushed it to the left side of the runway. The pilot initiated a go-around but was unable to clear trees. The aircraft subsequently crashed to the ground and came to rest inverted. The tail and left wing were torn off in the accident.
Airport Conditions
The density altitude at the airport was reported to be 11,600 feet. The fixed base operator at the airport estimated the wind as coming from 240 degrees at 7 knots. The airport directory recommended that landings be made on runway 9 and takeoffs on runway 27 for noise abatement reasons.
Witness Reports
Local pilots reported that sudden strong gusts are often encountered during landings at this airport. A pilot who landed just after the accident also reported encountering unfavorable wind near the approach end of runway 9.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Jul 1989 Cessna R182 accident near Telluride, CO?
A pilot reported a strong gust of wind during landing that blew the aircraft left of the runway. A go-around attempt failed to clear trees, and the aircraft crashed inverted, sustaining damage to its tail and left wing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna R182, registration N7385Y, operated by Stringer, Henry Jerry, at Telluride, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, AND TREES.
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