Casualties unknown

1990-01-30: Piper PA-28-161 (N9172Y) — Hoffman Pilot Center — Broomfield, CO

Broomfield, CO, US

On January 30, 1990, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N9172Y) operated by Hoffman Pilot Center was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ENCOUNTER WITH SEVERE TURBULENCE DURING LANDING, AND HIS FAILURE TO DIVERT TO AN ALTERNATE AIRPORT AFTER BECOMING AWARE OF THE WIND CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LOW LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, a plane encountered severe turbulence, leading to loss of directional control and a runway excursion. The aircraft struck a sign and lights before the left landing gear collapsed, coming to rest in a ditch.

Incident Details

During the landing roll, the pilot reported that the aircraft was struck by severe turbulence, resulting in a loss of directional control. According to the pilot's account, the plane departed the runway to the left and continued parallel to the runway, striking a directional sign and three runway lights. The left landing gear collapsed when the aircraft struck the raised edge of an intersection. The plane subsequently came to rest in a ditch located between the runway and the 'Alpha' taxiway.

At the time of the accident, the control tower was reporting severe turbulence in the local area.

Damage

The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the sign, runway lights, and the raised intersection edge, as well as the collapse of the left landing gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22412. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.