On September 26, 1989, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3660W) was involved in an aviation accident near Portland, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE WAKE TURBULENCE AND REMEDIAL ACTION NOT POSSIBLE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cross-country flight, a pilot cleared to land was cautioned about wake turbulence from a preceding large airplane. While on short final, the airplane encountered the wake turbulence, the pilot lost control, and the airplane collided with terrain short of the runway.
Background
The accident occurred at the end of a cross-country flight as the airplane was approaching the airport.
Sequence of Events
The pilot received clearance to land and was warned of potential wake turbulence from a large airplane that had landed ahead of the accident airplane. The pilot was instructed to maintain a tight pattern and follow the large airplane. While on short final, the accident airplane encountered the wake turbulence generated by the preceding large airplane. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane, and it subsequently collided with terrain short of the runway.
What happened in the 26 Sept 1989 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Portland, OR?
During a cross-country flight, a pilot cleared to land was cautioned about wake turbulence from a preceding large airplane. While on short final, the airplane encountered the wake turbulence, the pilot lost control, and the airplane collided with terrain short of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Sept 1989 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3660W, at Portland, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE WAKE TURBULENCE AND REMEDIAL ACTION NOT POSSIBLE.
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