Casualties unknown

1989-07-29: Piper PA-34 (N711DL) — Van Ovost, J.m. — Ackerman, MS

Ackerman, MS, US

On July 29, 1989, a Piper PA-34 (registration N711DL) operated by Van Ovost, J.m. was involved in an aviation accident near Ackerman, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY AND HIS IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION WHICH RESULTED IN A SITUATION FROM WHICH HE COULD NEITHER GO-AROUND NOR STOP ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot, encountering thunderstorms before his destination, diverted to Ackerman, Mississippi. After circling to check the wind, a damaged wind sock indicated calm. On landing runway 5, he encountered a downwind current, touched down beyond midfield, and overran the runway, hitting potholes. Post-landing inspection revealed the wind sock had most fabric missing.

Encounter with Thunderstorms and Diversion

The pilot encountered a line of thunderstorms before reaching his intended destination. He decided to divert to Ackerman, Mississippi, and circled the airport to determine the wind conditions. The wind sock indicated to him that the wind was calm.

Landing Attempt

Just before landing on runway 5, the pilot noticed a downwind current. At that time, the aircraft was configured with the landing gear and full flaps extended, and it was in a nose-high attitude. The pilot reported that by this point, the aircraft was behind the power curve, making a go-around impossible. The aircraft touched down beyond the midfield point of the runway. Maximum braking was applied, but the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway.

Runway Overrun and Damage

The aircraft continued off the departure end of the runway, encountered potholes on the overrun area, and sustained damage.

Examination of the Wind Sock

After the landing, an examination of the wind sock revealed it was in a state of disrepair, with most of the fabric missing. This may have contributed to the pilot's misjudgment of wind conditions, although the report does not explicitly state a causal link.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28913. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.