On September 9, 1990, a Piper PA-16 (registration N5972H) operated by Daniel L. Hickey was involved in an aviation accident near Red Hook, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND DEPARTURE OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY DURING THE LANDING ROLL, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH A TREE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPEREINCE IN THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a three-point landing on Runway 19, the pilot overcorrected for a weathervane effect, causing the aircraft to leave the pavement. While turning to avoid runway lights, the left wing struck a tree, resulting in a ground loop.
The Incident
A three-point landing was in progress on Runway 19. The pilot reported experiencing a weathervane effect that pulled the aircraft to the right. In response, the pilot applied a left correction, but the input was excessive, causing the aircraft to depart the paved surface onto the adjacent grass. To avoid striking runway lights, the pilot initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the left wing tip made contact with a tree, and the aircraft subsequently spun to the left.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated, "I had a little weather vane to the right, I corrected to the left but with a little too much causing me to leave the pavement onto the grass." The pilot further commented, "More time by PIC would have prevented accident low time by PIC," attributing the occurrence to limited pilot-in-command experience.