Aircraft veers off runway and enters hangar during aborted landing

Casualties unknown • Fort Worth, TX, US

A pilot attempting to abort a landing following a runway excursion caused an aircraft to fly into a hangar, where it became suspended against a wall.

What happened

During a wheel landing, the pilot encountered a right crosswind, with winds reported at 10 to 14 knots from a direction 60 to 80 degrees right of the runway heading. As the tail wheel was lowered to the runway, the aircraft veered to the right and exited the runway surface.

In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot applied power, causing the aircraft to become airborne. However, before the pilot could establish sufficient climb or maneuvering speed, the aircraft traveled into a hangar through a 15-foot gap in the hangar doors. The aircraft impacted the side wall of the structure and remained suspended approximately 5 feet above the floor.

There were no injuries to the three individuals working inside the hangar at the time of the impact. A second aircraft parked within the hangar sustained minor damage during the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-09-22 Piper J-3 accident near Fort Worth, TX?

A pilot attempting to abort a landing following a runway excursion caused an aircraft to fly into a hangar, where it became suspended against a wall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-09-22 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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24278. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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