Casualties unknown

Aircraft Destroyed by Fire After Runway Overrun in Gusty Winds (N1157H)

Troy, MI, US

On August 6, 1989, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1157H) was involved in an aviation accident near Troy, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to land or go around due to rapidly shifting and gusting winds that changed from a quartering headwind to a tailwind during the flare, which led to the aircraft overrunning the runway and being destroyed by fire. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot was unable to land or execute a go-around as rapidly shifting and gusting winds changed from a quartering headwind to a tailwind during the flare. The aircraft overshot the runway, struck obstacles, and was destroyed by fire.

What happened

During the final approach for landing, the pilot initiated the flare to touch down on the runway. At this critical phase of flight, the wind conditions deteriorated rapidly. The winds shifted unexpectedly from a quartering headwind to a direct tailwind. This sudden change in wind direction and velocity made it impossible for the pilot to maintain control or achieve a safe landing.

Despite applying remedial corrections to manage the aircraft's energy and trajectory, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft on the available runway surface or execute a successful go-around maneuver. The airplane continued its forward momentum past the end of the runway. Upon exiting the paved surface, the aircraft struck a fence and subsequently collided with a tree.

The impact and subsequent fire completely destroyed the airplane. There were no survivors mentioned in the immediate narrative, and the event resulted in the total loss of the aircraft due to the destructive force of the fire following the collision.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to land or go around due to rapidly shifting and gusting winds that changed from a quartering headwind to a tailwind during the flare, which led to the aircraft overrunning the runway and being destroyed by fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Troy, MI?

The pilot was unable to land or execute a go-around as rapidly shifting and gusting winds changed from a quartering headwind to a tailwind during the flare. The aircraft overshot the runway, struck obstacles, and was destroyed by fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1157H, at Troy, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to land or go around due to rapidly shifting and gusting winds that changed from a quartering headwind to a tailwind during the flare, which led to the aircraft overrunning the runway and being destroyed by fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29073. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.