On September 22, 1991, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8457W) operated by Allie S. Walton was involved in an aviation accident near Friendswood, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS MECHANICAL TURBULENCE CAUSED BY NEARBY BUILDINGS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported encountering a gust of wind during the flare, causing the airplane to drift right. The right main gear touched down off the pavement shoulder, and the airplane struck a fence.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during the landing flare, a gust of wind caused the airplane to drift to the right. The right main landing gear touched down off the shoulder of the paved surface. The airplane continued to drift right until it struck a fence. The pilot's attempts to correct the drift were not successful.
Wind and Environmental Conditions
The wind was reported as down the runway at 7 knots. It was noted that hangars were erected approximately 200 feet off both sides of the touchdown zone.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the encounter with the gust of wind occurred during the flare. The resulting drift to the right led to the right main gear contacting the unpaved area adjacent to the runway. The airplane continued moving rightward and eventually impacted a fence. The pilot was unable to counteract the drift.
What happened in the 22 Sept 1991 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Friendswood, TX?
A pilot reported encountering a gust of wind during the flare, causing the airplane to drift right. The right main gear touched down off the pavement shoulder, and the airplane struck a fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Sept 1991 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8457W, operated by Allie S. Walton, at Friendswood, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS MECHANICAL TURBULENCE CAUSED BY NEARBY BUILDINGS.
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