Runway Excursion at Ackerman Airport Following Wind Misinterpretation

Casualties unknown • Ackerman, MS, US

A pilot diverted to Ackerman, Mississippi, due to thunderstorms but overran the runway after misjudging wind conditions caused by a damaged windsock.

What happened

While en route to his destination, the pilot encountered a line of thunderstorms and elected to divert to Ackerman, MS. Upon arrival, the pilot circled the airport to assess local wind conditions. Based on the appearance of the windsock, the pilot believed the winds were calm.

During the approach to runway 5, the pilot identified a downwind current. At this stage of the landing, the aircraft was in a nose-high attitude with the landing gear and full flaps extended. The pilot reported that the aircraft was behind the power curve, which rendered a go-around impossible.

The aircraft touched down beyond the midfield point of the runway. Despite the application of maximum braking, the pilot could not stop the aircraft within the remaining runway length. The aircraft continued off the departure end of the runway and struck potholes in the overrun area, resulting in aircraft damage.

The investigation

Following the accident, an examination of the airport's windsock was conducted. The inspection revealed that the windsock was in a state of disrepair, as most of its fabric was missing.

Probable cause

The pilot misperceived the wind conditions because the damaged windsock failed to accurately indicate the presence of a downwind current.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-07-29 Piper PA-34 accident near Ackerman, MS?

A pilot diverted to Ackerman, Mississippi, due to thunderstorms but overran the runway after misjudging wind conditions caused by a damaged windsock.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-07-29 involved a Piper PA-34, registration N711DL, operated by Van Ovost, J.m., at Ackerman, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot misperceived the wind conditions because the damaged windsock failed to accurately indicate the presence of a downwind current.

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.

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