Casualties unknown

Loss of Directional Control During Landing Leads to Runway Excursion at Northampton (N8201W)

Northampton, MA, US

On January 14, 1990, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8201W) was involved in an aviation accident near Northampton, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE AIRPLANE, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost directional control after landing on runway 32 at Northampton, causing the aircraft to skid off the left side and collide with brush. The flight had included practice of slow flight and a power-off stall.

Accident Description

The aircraft departed Northampton for a local flight. During the flight, the pilot practiced slow flight and executed one power-off stall before returning to the airport.

Weather Conditions

The wind was reported from 040 degrees at 10 knots, with peak gusts to 15 knots.

Landing and Loss of Control

The pilot continued the approach and touched down on runway 32. After touchdown, directional control was lost. The aircraft skidded off the left side of the runway and collided with a stand of large brush.

Damage

The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the brush.

Cause

No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jan 1990 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Northampton, MA?

A pilot lost directional control after landing on runway 32 at Northampton, causing the aircraft to skid off the left side and collide with brush. The flight had included practice of slow flight and a power-off stall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jan 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8201W, at Northampton, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE AIRPLANE, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22486. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.