Casualties unknown

1989-10-02: North American AT-6D (N350HT) — Thomas H. North, Jr. — Albemarle, NC

Albemarle, NC, US

On October 2, 1989, a North American AT-6D (registration N350HT) operated by Thomas H. North, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Albemarle, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a practice landing, a pilot corrected a left drift but overcorrected, causing the airplane to swerve right. The pilot attempted a go-around but struck a pine tree with the left wing tip, stalled, and crashed.

Accident Overview

According to the pilot's report, the accident occurred during a practice landing. The airplane began to drift to the left while on approach. The pilot applied a correction but overcorrected, causing the airplane to swerve to the right. Realizing that the airplane would depart the right side of the hard surface runway, the pilot attempted to take off again.

Sequence of Events

The airplane became airborne heading at a 45-degree angle away from the right side of the runway. Shortly after becoming airborne, the left wing tip struck a pine tree. Following the impact with the tree, the airplane stalled and subsequently hit the ground. The impact caused the wing center section to separate from the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

The wing center section broke away from the fuselage at the point of impact. The extent of damage to other parts of the aircraft is not specified in the report.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported the sequence of events, including the initial left drift, the overcorrection to the right, the attempted go-around, and the collision with the tree. No other factors or conditions were mentioned by the pilot.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29527. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.