On March 19, 1992, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N62951) operated by North Central Airways, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Brewer, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CORRECT AN EXCESSIVE DESCENT RATE DURING FLARE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot completed a VOR approach to runway 11 and encountered gusty crosswinds during flare, resulting in a hard landing that broke the left engine mounts. The engine remained attached by cables. The pilot cleared the runway without further incident.
Approach and Descent
The pilot had just completed a VOR approach to runway 11 and descended below the base of the clouds. A wind sock near the runway indicated a left-to-right crosswind.
Landing and Impact
As the pilot flared for touchdown, he encountered a gust of wind. He corrected, then experienced a second gust. The airplane struck the runway with enough force to break the engine mounts on the left engine. The engine dropped to the runway but remained attached by cables and wires.
Post-Landing Actions
The pilot slowed the airplane and vacated the runway at the nearest intersection, exiting without further incident. Winds reported at an airfield 13 miles to the southeast were north at 3 knots.