On August 17, 1991, a Piper PA-32-301 (registration N4368W) operated by Three Wing Flying Service,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Montauk, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent runway departure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A gust of wind during flare caused a hard landing, collapsing the left main gear and leading to a runway departure on a short strip.
What happened
The pilot reported that while flaring the aircraft for landing, a gust of wind originating from the left rear quadrant struck the airplane. This sudden aerodynamic disturbance caused the nose to pitch up unexpectedly. The aircraft subsequently landed hard on the 3000-foot runway. The impact force resulted in the collapse of the left main gear, which then penetrated through the wing structure. Following the mechanical failure, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. Consequently, the aircraft departed the paved surface and came to rest off the runway.
The investigation
The pilot's accident report indicated that the wind conditions were calm at the time of the incident. Specifically, the pilot stated in his written account that the wind was zero. This discrepancy between the reported gust and the calm wind measurement remains unexplained by the available factual narrative.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent runway departure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Aug 1991 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Montauk, NY?
A gust of wind during flare caused a hard landing, collapsing the left main gear and leading to a runway departure on a short strip.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Aug 1991 Piper PA-32-301 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Aug 1991 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N4368W, operated by Three Wing Flying Service,inc., at Montauk, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent runway departure.
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