Aircraft Runway Excursion Following Wind Shear

Casualties unknown • Leander, TX, US

A pilot attempted a go-around after encountering wind shear on final approach, resulting in an aircraft excursion and collision with a fence post.

What happened

While on short final approach to runway 15, the pilot—who also served as a flight instructor—encountered wind shear. This encounter caused the aircraft to develop an excessive sink rate. In response to the loss of altitude, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure; however, the maneuver was aborted when it became apparent that the aircraft would impact the runway.

Following the initial touchdown, the aircraft bounced and drifted toward the left side of the runway. The second point of contact occurred off the left side of the runway surface, at which point the left wing struck a fence post. There were no reported injuries to the pilot.

Findings

The pilot reported local winds originating from the south-southwest at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots. In contrast, the official weather reporting station located 15 miles south of the accident site recorded winds from 150 degrees at 5 knots. No convective activity was noted in the area at the time of the event.

Probable cause

The encounter with wind shear during short final approach led to an excessive sink rate and a subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-03-05 Piper PA-32RT-300T accident near Leander, TX?

A pilot attempted a go-around after encountering wind shear on final approach, resulting in an aircraft excursion and collision with a fence post.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-03-05 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300T, registration N9190A, operated by Piper Lance, Inc., at Leander, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The encounter with wind shear during short final approach led to an excessive sink rate and a subsequent runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16602. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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