On September 22, 1990, a Piper J-3 (registration N67631) operated by Thomas A. Swanton was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Worth, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE CROSSWIND WAS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a wheel landing in a crosswind, a tailwheel airplane veered right off the runway. The pilot aborted, but the airplane flew into a hangar through a 15-foot door gap, impacting the side wall and becoming suspended 5 feet above the floor.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducted a wheel landing in a tailwheel airplane, expecting a right crosswind. Reported winds were 60 to 80 degrees right of the runway heading at 10 to 14 knots. As the tail wheel was lowered to the runway, the airplane veered to the right and departed the runway surface.
Go-Around and Hangar Strike
The pilot elected to abort the landing. The airplane became airborne, but before the pilot could establish a climb or maneuvering speed, it flew into a hangar through a 15-foot gap in the doors. The airplane impacted the side wall and remained suspended approximately 5 feet above the floor.
Damage and Injuries
Another airplane parked inside the hangar received minor damage. Three individuals working in the hangar were not injured.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Sept 1990 Piper J-3 accident near Fort Worth, TX?
During a wheel landing in a crosswind, a tailwheel airplane veered right off the runway. The pilot aborted, but the airplane flew into a hangar through a 15-foot door gap, impacting the side wall and becoming suspended 5 feet above the floor.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Sept 1990 Piper J-3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Sept 1990 involved a Piper J-3, registration N67631, operated by Thomas A. Swanton, at Fort Worth, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE CROSSWIND WAS A FACTOR.
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