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Casualties unknown

Tail Lifted by Gust During Landing Roll on Runway 04 (N9039K)

Fort Payne, AL, US

On July 15, 1990, a Stinson 108-1 (registration N9039K) operated by Williams, J. Fred was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Payne, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A RUNWAY WHICH AFFORDED A TAILWIND, AND HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE ELEVATOR CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During the landing roll on Runway 04, a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane as it slowed to 25-30 mph. The pilot reported light and variable wind with gusts of unknown velocity. An FAA inspector stated the pilot did not hold the elevator control fully aft at the end of the landing roll.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing roll on Runway 04, a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane as it slowed to approximately 25 to 30 mph. The pilot described the wind as light and variable, with gusts of unknown velocity. Weather reporting stations located 20 and 30 miles southwest and southeast of the field reported calm winds and westerly winds of 5 knots, respectively.

Pilot's Comments

In his report, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by waiting until traffic had cleared and landing on Runway 22.

FAA Inspector's Observation

An FAA inspector stated that the pilot did not hold the elevator control fully aft during the end of the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jul 1990 Stinson 108-1 accident near Fort Payne, AL?

During the landing roll on Runway 04, a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane as it slowed to 25-30 mph. The pilot reported light and variable wind with gusts of unknown velocity. An FAA inspector stated the pilot did not hold the elevator control fully aft at the end of the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jul 1990 involved a Stinson 108-1, registration N9039K, operated by Williams, J. Fred, at Fort Payne, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A RUNWAY WHICH AFFORDED A TAILWIND, AND HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE ELEVATOR CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23599. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.